Click on the images below for an enlarged view of the book cover and judge’s review.

2025 WSBA Winners
an image of the book cover of Tessa Hulls' "Feeding Ghosts" and text that reads: “A breathtaking achievement of art, Chinese history, and personal mythology. Singular and important.” Emma Radosevich Whatcom County Library System an image of the book cover of Katrina Carrasco's "Rough Trade" and text that reads: “Historic Tacoma comes alive in this murder mystery from the 1880s. Alma Rosales, living life as Jack Camp, is the keeper of many secrets that become harder and harder to keep as the hunt for a killer continues. Add in smuggling, spying, reporting, and some Pinkerton agents who are also not who they seem, and survival is anything but guaranteed in Washington territory.” Robin Bradford Pierce County Library System an image of the book cover of Ijeoma Oluo's "Be A Revolution" with text that reads: “An inspiring look at everyday people creating real change, from fighting mass incarceration to advocating for disability rights. Offers simple, practical ways the reader can get involved... a hopeful and empowering read for anyone looking for ways to make a difference.” Sarah Jaffa Kitsap Regional Library an image of the book cover of Lena Khalaf Tuffaha's "Something About Living" and text that reads: “Tells the complex story of Palestine past and present, in beautiful language and imagery that strips away the false media narratives and brings the reader in to know the land and the people.” Robin Bradford Pierce County Library System  
an image of the book cover of Belen Medina's "Daughter of the Light-Footed People" and text that reads: “A gorgeously illustrated biography of an inspiring Indigenous female athlete of our time. This picture book biography can easily be shared with younger elementary students, and includes fascinating back matter that older students will enjoy.” Louise Chambers Highline Public Schools an image of the book cover of Scott Kurtz's "Table Titans Club" and text that reads: “What's worse than middle school? Being the new kid in middle school! Dungeons & Dragons to the rescue in this charming graphic novel about finding your people while rolling a 20 sided die.” Jen Haas Echo Glen Children’s Center an image of the book cover of K.A. Cobell's "Looking for Smoke" and text that reads: “This thriller is one readers won't soon forget. A girl from the Blackfeet Nation is missing and four teens are persons of interest in the investigation. Told from multiple character perspectives, this debut novel is both topically important and beautifully written. ” Louise Chambers Highline Public Schools    
Creative Nonfiction/Memoir Finalists
an image of the book cover of Lawrence Ingrassia's "A Fatal Inheritance" and text that reads: “A masterful fusion of memoir and medical detective story. It turns personal heartbreak into a profound exploration of science, fate, and the human will to understand and endure.” Marcus Harrison Green Author and WSBA Finalist an image of the book cover of Susan Lieu's "The Manicurist's Daughter" and text that reads: “A story of survival and resilience across generations that proves once again how, even though the circumstances of our individual lives may differ, our journeys through tragedy and triumph can be relatable and universal.” Robin Bradford Pierce County Library System an image of the book cover of Steve Duda's "River Songs" and text that reads: “A celebration of nature — the writing is observant, heartfelt, and lyrical, but still approachable. Duda recounts vignettes from his travels with humor, highlighting the landscapes and those who inhabit them.” Sarah Morrison North Olympic Library System an image of the book cover of Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe's "Thunder Song: Essays" with text that reads: “A radiant act of reclamation. Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe blends punk spirit, ancestral memory, and lyrical brilliance into a testament of survival, identity, and love.” Marcus Harrison Green Author and WSBA Finalist an image of the book cover of Simone Gorrindo's "The Wives: A Memoir" and text that reads: “In this heartfelt memoir, Gorrindo shares what it’s really like to be married to a soldier — navigating love, loneliness, and life on the margins of military culture. A moving story of resilience, identity, and the strength of military wives.” Sarah Jaffa Kitsap Regional Library
Fiction Finalists
an image of the book cover of Elaine U. Cho's "Ocean's Godori" and text that reads: “Korean culture and Cho’s talent for writing believable characters keep this cinematic-yet-tender first act of a sci-fi duology grounded even as its heroes take to the stars in action-packed chase sequences.” Emma Radosevich Whatcom County Library System an image of the book cover of Jennifer Gold's "Polite Calamities" and text that reads: “Winifred's support of Marie, an artist, inadvertently upends the social hierarchy of an insular, privileged community, forcing characters to weigh their needs for security against growing personal freedom. Don't relegate this strong contender to ‘women's fiction,’ multiple themes make this a great book group choice and a compelling read for readers of all genders.” Sarah Morrison North Olympic Library System an image of the book cover of Samantha Allen's "Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet" and text that reads: “When Adam Gallagher is hired to ghostwrite a memoir for Rogers, he didn't know Roland was an actual ghost. Roland, for his part, wanted to say all the important things he meant to say in life, but was too afraid and then he ran out of time. Can he correct that, with the help of Adam, and get the memoir written before the world finds out he's gone? ” Robin Bradford Pierce County Library System an image of the book cover for Jared Pechaček's "The West Passage" and text that reads: “In a crumbling world where stories both connect and divide, with fading rituals and indifferent giants, two unlikely heroes set out on separate quests to confront a rising Beast and restore balance. Blending whimsy and horror, this richly imagined tale invites readers into a hauntingly beautiful and surreal adventure.” Sarah Jaffa Kitsap Regional Library an image of the book cover of Kristin Hannah's "The Women" with text that reads: “A searing, unforgettable tribute to courage and sisterhood. Hannah transforms the untold history of Vietnam’s nurses into a story of fierce humanity and breathtaking emotional power.” Marcus Harrison Green Author and WSBA Finalist
General Nonfiction/Biography Finalists
an image of the book cover of David Moskowitz' "Big River" and text that reads: “’The [Columbia] river touches the lives of millions of people… sometimes in ways we know and love and at other times are completely oblivious to’ (p 16). The interconnected richness of the river and its tributaries—and the people, animals, plants, landscapes, and biomes in their watersheds—dazzle.” Sarah Morrison North Olympic Library System an image of the book cover of Ashley Rodriguez's "Field Notes from a Fungi Forager" and text that reads: “Joyful, meticulously illustrated, and highly readable. In a crowded field of foraging guides, Field Notes from a Fungi Forager is a chanterelle among jack o’lanterns.” Emma Radosevich Whatcom County Library System An image of the book cover of Kirk Hanson and Seth Zuckerman's "A Forest of Your Own" and text that reads: “Skillfully draws in everyone from the beginner who may only have a passing curiosity, to the experienced landowner, and everyone in between with their easy language, engaging stories, and entertaining and instructive style.” Robin Bradford Pierce County Library System an image of the book cover of Lynne Peeples' "The Inner Clock" and text that reads: “A fun and fascinating look at how our inner clocks work, what can influence them for better, or for worse, and how we can change them to fit the lifestyle we wish to have.” Robin Bradford Pierce County Library System an image of the book cover for Anna Letitia Zivarts' "When Driving Is Not An Option" and text that reads: “In a country built for cars, Zivarts makes a compelling case for people. Urgent, humanizing, and required reading for all drivers.” Emma Radosevich Whatcom County Library System
Poetry Finalists
an image of the book cover of Susan Rich's "Blue Atlas" and text that reads: “Susan Rich explores the lasting emotional terrain of abortion through vivid poetry inspired by travel, science, and memory. Lyrical, raw, and unflinchingly honest, this collection offers a powerful meditation on choice, grief, and what endures.” Sarah Jaffa Kitsap Regional Library an image of the book cover of Thomas A. Thomas's "My Heart Is Not Asleep" and text that reads: “A breathtaking testament to love’s endurance. Thomas writes with the precision of a naturalist and the tenderness of a lifelong companion, transforming grief into luminous, living art.” Marcus Harrison Green Author and WSBA Finalist an image of the book cover of Sarah Stockton's "The Scarecrow of My Former Self" and text that reads: “Nature themes suffuse this very readable collection. Reflections and questions contemplate disability, perseverance, loss, and peace.” Sarah Morrison North Olympic Library System an image of the book cover of Katie Prince's "Tell This to the Universe" and text reads: “In this potent pairing of poetry and astrophysics, Prince creates a dreamy multiverse of poetic possibility where words are atoms and soup never gets cold.” Emma Radosevich Whatcom County Library System an image of the book cover of Martha Silano's "This One We Call Ours" and text that reads: “A fierce and lyrical reckoning — Silano sings both elegy and anthem for a planet on the brink, reminding us that awe and accountability must share the same breath.” Marcus Harrison Green Author and WSBA Finalist
Picture Book Finalists
an image of the book cover of Lynn Brunelle's "Haiku, Ew!" and text that reads: “This delightful book is full of fun (and gross!) animal facts told through haikus with matching illustrations, diagram, and information. This book would be a great tool for STEAM teaching of poetry and science.” Jen Haas Echo Glen Children’s Center an image of the book cover of Corey Tabor's "Fox, Fox, and More Fox" and text that reads: “This collection of Fox stories is sure to delight young readers! Told with humor and gorgeous illustrations, these tales are ones that kids will beg to read again and again.” Lauren Kessel Kent Elementary School Library an image of the book cover for Amy Hevron's "Log Life" and text that reads: “Trees are everywhere in the PNW and this fascinating (and funny!) book illustrates how one tree can become a home for so many other creatures in the forest. A wonderful book to share with children of all ages to better understand the world around them.” Louise Chambers Highline Public Schools an image of the book cover of Nina Laden's "Love Is My Favorite Color" and text that reads: “The illustrations and use of color, combined with poem's structured from concrete to abstract to what could be a call to action makes this a magical read for any age.” Jen Haas Echo Glen Children’s Center an image of the book cover of Quinn Miller Murphy's "What Did My Ancestors Eat?" and text that reads: “Food is a huge part of culture and this gorgeous picture book explores the how. With simple text and stunning illustrations, this book can be used with toddlers but also has applications with upper elementary.” Lauren Kessel Kent Elementary School Library
Books for Young Readers Finalists
an image of the book cover for Vikram Madan's "Beware the Dragon and the Nozzlewock" and text that reads: “Dragons, aliens, ghosts and more can be found within the pages of this truly delightful graphic novel poetry collection. Readers of all ages will laugh out loud with sheer glee when reading author and artist Vikram Madan's latest work.” Louise Chambers Highline Public Schools an image of the book cover of Iron Tazz's "Hike It" and text that reads: “When I say that I love everything about this book, it's not hyperbole. This beautifully illustrated book highlights 20 national parks, summarized nicely on a two-page spread. Each park section is followed by a two-page spread with information ranging from practical to the ecological. The final message (HYOH - Hike your own hike) is one that resonates with all ages.” Jen Haas Echo Glen Children’s Center an image of the book cover of Lora Senf's "The Loneliest Place" and text that reads: “Fans of the Small Spaces quartet and Stranger Things will be spellbound by this tale of a girl who must venture into an alternate reality to save the ones she loves. A wonderfully creepy and heartwarming addition to the Blight Harbor series.” Louise Chambers Highline Public Schools an image of the book cover of Lily LaMotte's "Unhappy Camper" and text that reads: “A summer camp experience allows two sisters to process their Taiwanese heritage differently. This book will resonate with children, especially those who feel as if they are part of more than one culture.” Lauren Kessel Kent Elementary School Library an image of the book cover for Ben Guterson's "The World-Famous Nine" and text that reads: “A fun and fast paced mystery about a boy discovering the secrets of the store his extended family has run for generations. Keep a pen and paper handy so you can help solve the mystery.” Lauren Kessel Kent Elementary School Library
Young Adult Finalists
an image of the book cover of Dan Gemeinhart's "Coyote Lost and Found" and text that reads: “Take a new incredible journey with Coyote Sunrise as she works to find a book across her former adventures and adjusts to a life that is no longer so transient. A middle grade heroine experiencing growing up, this book will delight readers.” Lauren Kessel Kent Elementary School Library an image of the book cover of Parisa Akhbari's "Just Another Epic Love Poem" and text that reads: “This queer, coming-of-age romance uses the one constant of poetry to tell Mitra's story of friendship and love, family dynamics, and the future uncertainty all high schoolers face. Akhbari's debut novel about this queer Persian teen is both wholesome and very real.” Jen Haas Echo Glen Children’s Center an image of the book cover of Hemant Nayak's "A Magic Fierce and Bright" and text that reads: “Technology and magic battle in this unique YA fantasy set in a future South India where Adya gets caught up in the fight for India's freedom while searching for her missing sister. This is a fascinating world and a non-stop ride of a read until the end.” Louise Chambers Highline Public Schools an image of the book cover of Leslie Lutz's "Sweetest Darkness" and text that reads: “Imagine that Stranger Things and the Goosebumps books had a YA baby that grew up to be a cozy horror novel. Quinn and his friends share a paranormal experience centering around an unusual town, a creepy abandoned hotel, and the something that follows them.” Jen Haas Echo Glen Children’s Center an image of the book cover of Natalie Leif's "Take All of Us" and text that reads: “Small towns, zombies, and teen love abound in this strange adventure novel. A unique YA blend of horror and romance that can make any reader unable to stop reading until the thrilling conclusion.” Lauren Kessel Kent Elementary School Library