Kirkus Reviews, a prominent name in the world of book criticism, has just unveiled the 18 finalists for the 2025 Kirkus Prize. This prize, now in its 12th year, stands as a significant highlight in the literary calendar. It is divided into three categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, and Young Readers’ Literature. Each winner will receive a generous sum of $50,000, making it one of the most prestigious literary awards globally.

Tom Beer, who is the editor-in-chief at Kirkus Reviews, shared his thoughts about the value of books in today’s fast-paced world: “In a time of shortened attention spans and endless news feeds, books have the unique power to slow us down, to help us to think deeply and imagine freely. This year’s finalists for the Kirkus Prize promise readers these and other riches; they’re exceptional works to be studied and savored for years to come.”

The finalists were chosen from an impressive pool of 7,653 titles reviewed during the eligibility window. Each of these selected works received a starred review, reflecting their outstanding quality. Let’s take a closer look at the finalists.

Fiction Finalists

The judges for the fiction category included Thérèse Purcell Nielsen, a Kirkus reviewer and former public librarian; Oscar Villalon, a journalist and editor for the literary journal ZYZZYVA; and Laurie Muchnick, the fiction editor at Kirkus.

1. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai
   “Two young Indian writers discover their connected destinies by leaving home, coming back, and swimming in the ocean at Goa. It’s a true masterpiece.”

2. The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (Mariner Books)
   “A web of friendship among millennial Black women stretches across decades, conveying elegance and tension in a delightful narrative.”

3. Isola by Allegra Goodman (Dial Press)
   “A 16th-century noblewoman stranded on a deserted island must find ways to survive. It is both historical and deeply personal.”

4. A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar (Knopf)
   “In near-future Kolkata, two families’ fates intertwine catastrophically, revealing the horrors tied to climate change.”

5. The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (Simon & Schuster)
   “A missing teenager amidst a boxing gym in Austin creates a riveting and layered narrative.”

6. Flesh by David Szalay (Scribner)
   “An emotionally acute exploration of a wealthy man’s life full of complexities.”

Nonfiction Finalists

The judges for the nonfiction category were Calvin Crosby, a bookstore owner; Anita Felicelli, a literature editor; and John McMurtrie, the nonfiction editor at Kirkus.

1. King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution by Scott Anderson (Doubleday)
   “An eye-opening history on how Iran became a significant adversary.”

2. Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas Boggs (Farrar, Straus & Giroux)
   “A deep dive into the life of an influential artist.”

3. A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (Riverhead)
   “An intriguing true story that highlights the dark and inspiring aspects of love.”

4. America, América by Greg Grandin (Penguin Press)
   “An insightful analysis of the formative debates that shaped our world.”

5. Black in Blues by Imani Perry (Ecco/HarperCollins)
   “Perry unravels the unique connection between color and Black identity.”

6. Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy (Scribner)
   “A deeply personal memoir exploring the author’s tumultuous life and her relationship with her mother.”

Young Readers’ Literature Finalists

The judges for young readers’ literature comprised Annette Y. Goldsmith, Erika Long, and Kirkus’s young readers’ editors Mahnaz Dar and Laura Simeon.

Picture Books

1. Island Storm by Brian Floca, illustrated by Sydney Smith (Holiday House/Neal Porter)
   “An exhilarating tale about the power of nature.”

2. Everybelly by Thao Lam (Groundwood)
   “An innovative celebration of self-acceptance and beauty.”

Middle Grade

1. The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze by Derrick Barnes (Viking)
   “A young football player’s emotional journey through a crisis.”

2. John the Skeleton by Triinu Laan (Restless/Yonder)
   “A whimsical book showing that death can be a beloved part of life.”

Young Adult

1. Butterfly Heart by Moa Backe Åstot (Levine Querido)
   “An exploration of adolescence filled with humor and compassion.”

2. Death in the Jungle by Candace Fleming (Anne Schwartz/Random House)
   “An illuminating account of Jim Jones and the tragedy he led.”

The winners of the Kirkus Prize will be announced in a special ceremony at the TriBeca Rooftop in New York City on October 8, 2025. You can also catch the live stream on the Kirkus YouTube channel at 7:30 PM ET.

For those who love reading and discovering new books, this year’s finalists are not to be missed. Whether you fancy fiction, want to learn more about our world, or are searching for a good read for young readers, these titles offer a plethora of options to explore.

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