Printed Word Reviews

Submit your book on any subject for the 2026 NYC Big Book Award! That’s right, no limitation on where the author is located or the topic of the book. WHO CAN ENTER? Print and audiobooks can be submitted by: independent publishers hybrid publishers self-published authors university presses association presses small, medium and big house presses *including any of the big five publishing houses and their imprints Outside of the big five publishing houses, any publisher or author may submit to both competitions, IndependentPressAward.com (every spring); and NYCBigBookAward.com (every fall). See webpages for complete details. WHEN CAN I ENTER the NYC Big Book Award? We are on a rolling submission, approximately every two and a half months, with two hard deadlines: (1) September 1, 2025 to December 30, 2025 (2) January…

Hello Readers, Welcome to our latest edition. As we turn the pages into a new year, we find ourselves at the intersection of history, reflection, and the future of storytelling. This month, we are proud to present a collection of features that celebrate the enduring power of the written word to shape character and honor our collective journey. In Reflecting on the Dream, we curate a selection of literature dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. These works serve as more than just historical accounts; they are bridges for the next generation to understand the weight of justice and the beauty of a shared vision. Following this thread, our item on Celebrating Black History Month Through Literature highlights the voices—past and present—that have redefined the American narrative. These stories remind…

In the heart of South Florida, Dr. Sherrie Poitier-Liscombe has spent nearly three decades nurturing young minds. We had the opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with Sherrie as she describes her journey as an educator, counselor and now award-winning children’s author. As an educator, counselor, and mentor in Broward County Public Schools, she sees firsthand the challenges children face — from bullying and social pressure to questions of identity and belonging. Sherrie has also witnessed something else: their resilience, their light, and their ability to grow when given the right tools. That belief inspired her to create The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie, winner of multiple children’s and teen categories in both the Independent Press Award and the New York City Big Book Award. The series has blossomed into…

As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 19, 2026, we are reminded that his "Dream" was a living mission. This year’s award-winning literature highlights the ongoing work of building what Dr. King called the "Beloved Community." Dr. King’s vision of the "Beloved Community" was the ultimate goal of his activism. He did not see the Civil Rights Movement simply as a way to change laws, but as a way to transform the soul of the nation so that "opponents could become friends." A central piece for this year's reflection is "What is My Legacy?" by Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King (a 2025 NYC Big Book Award Winner. This title serves as a direct bridge from Dr. King’s historical…

Black History Month, February 1-28, is a time to honor the past while celebrating the vibrant, complex, and evolving stories of the African Diaspora. The recent winners of the NYC Big Book Award and the Independent Press Award offer a profound look at both the shadows of history and the light of modern resilience. To understand the deep roots of the struggle, "Damaged Heritage" by J. Chester Johnson (a 2025 Independent Press Award Winner,) provides a necessary look at the Elaine Race Massacre, blending historical investigative work with a personal narrative of reconciliation. This work reminds us that history is not just about dates, but about the long road toward healing. WWW.INDEPENDENTPRESSAWARD.COM/2025WINNERS/9781643134666 The celebration also extends to contemporary voices that showcase the "Black Joy" and resilience of today. "When It…

Author: The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie Sherrie is the award-winning author of the children’s book series The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie. She is an educator and counselor with nearly three decades of service in Broward County Public Schools in Florida. Sherrie also holds a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. Sherrie has dedicated her career to empowering students, families, and educators through mentorship, advocacy, and storytelling. As the founder of Poitier Publishing Company and the Poitier Wordsmith Academy, Sherrie amplifies diverse voices while nurturing the next generation of writers. Her celebrated children’s series The Adventures of Sherrie and Chubbie and more recently The Sherrie and Chubbie Teen Life series tackle real-world issues such as mental health, self-care, and social challenges, inspiring young people to embrace resilience, faith, and…