Celebrate the 2023 National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35 honorees, alongside their selectors, at a first-ever public ceremony, featuring readings from the writers’ debut works and a conversation with the authors. In 2006, the National Book Foundation established the 5 Under 35 prize to recognize young, debut fiction writers whose work promises to leave a lasting impression on the literary landscape. Each year, five honorees under the age of thirty-five are selected by authors previously recognized by the National Book Foundation. Read thoughts from this year’s honorees about writing, museums, and the creative process.

Mateo Askaripour, Black Buck
Mariner Books / HarperCollins Publishers
Selected by Robert Jones, Jr., 2021 National Book Award Finalist

Chelsea T. Hicks, A Calm & Normal Heart
Unnamed Press
Selected by Louise Erdrich, 2012 National Book Award Winner, 1991 and 2001 Finalist

Morgan Talty, Night of the Living Rez
Tin House Books
Selected by Karen Russell, 2009 5 Under 35 Honoree

Jenny Xie, Holding Pattern*
Riverhead Books / Penguin Random House
Selected by Kirstin Valdez Quade, 2014 5 Under 35 Honoree

*Holding Pattern by Jenny Xie will be available on June 20, 2023.

Ada Zhang, The Sorrows of Others
A Public Space
Selected by Jamil Jan Kochai, 2022 National Book Award Finalist

Masks are required, regardless of vaccination status.

Tickets are $30. Add copies of the honorees’ books at checkout. Limited quantities of each book will be available for purchase on-site. Member tickets are $25. Not a Member? Join today!

This program will include ASL interpretation. For access needs, please email us at access@brooklynmuseum.org.