Daniel Nayeri’s novel set in World War II Iran has earned him the 2025 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. This prestigious recognition was awarded during the 76th National Book Awards ceremony held in New York City, where Nayeri’s work triumphed over other strong contenders, including Kyle Lukoff’s A World Worth Saving, Amber McBride’s The Leaving Room, Hannah V. Sawyerr’s Truth Is, and Ibi Zoboi’s (S)Kin.

Nayeri’s Acceptance Speech

Accepting the award, Daniel Nayeri reflected on his unconventional journey as a writer. “I don’t know why I should be so lucky,” he said, recounting a time when he worked as an editor in New York City. From his office window, he watched asylum seekers line up for support, reminding him of his own family’s experience as asylum seekers two decades prior.

The Impact of Asylum Stories

Nayeri humorously noted that his time in the U.S. had allowed him to be just “across the street” from those anxious for acceptance. “I didn’t know how to express that I had somehow managed to be in the office, not in the street,” he shared, although he was aware of the weight of his privileges. Receiving the National Book Award is just one highlight in a growing list of accolades, which includes the Printz Award for Everything Sad is Untrue and a Newbery Honor for The Many Assassinations of Samir, Seller of Dreams.

The Role of Literature in Uncertain Times

David Bowles, chair of the Young People’s Literature judges committee, emphasized the importance of literature during these challenging times. “In a time when public discourse has become increasingly fraught and young people are living with more uncertainty than ever, literature has never mattered more,” Bowles stated. He underlined the need for stories that resonate with teens, speaking to their questions and fears.

Celebrating Diversity in Literature

“As judges, we felt a profound responsibility to honor works that don’t speak down to young readers,” Bowles continued. The finalists alongside Nayeri’s powerful novel include Kyle Lukoff’s A World Worth Saving, Amber McBride’s The Leaving Room, Hannah V. Sawyerr’s Truth Is, and Ibi Zoboi’s (S)Kin. Each of these works engages with themes of identity, justice, belonging, and hope.

Roxane Gay’s Call to Action

The event, hosted by Emmy-winning actor Jeff Hiller, also honored celebrated writer Roxane Gay with the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community. In her acceptance speech, Gay emphasized the responsibility publishers have to create an equitable space for all voices within the industry. “You have the power to address the imbalances of who gets the big fancy advances,” she proclaimed, urging those present to challenge outdated metrics in publishing.

A Future for Publishing

Roxane Gay’s impassioned words highlighted the industry’s potential for transformational change. “You just need to adjust your math a little bit and expand your thinking,” she asserted, propelling a conversation about the necessity for inclusivity within the literary world. “You will be remembered for how you use that power or how you don’t,” she concluded, leaving the audience with a powerful message about responsibility and action in literature.