ARLINGTON, Va. - s4story -- The Grateful American Book Prize is accepting submissions for outstanding historical fiction, non-fiction, and biographies for readers, ages 11 to 15. Book submissions must be made via the online form by the deadline, Friday, July 31, 2026.

Founded by David Bruce Smith and the late Dr. Bruce Cole, the Prize seeks to promote engagement with American history among young readers. The winner will receive $13,000–in honor of the 13 original colonies, a lifetime membership to The New York Historical, and a medallion designed by artist Clarice Smith. Two Honorable Mention recipients will receive $500, each, and the medallion.

According to Smith, the teaching of history has declined in recent decades, leaving many young people unfamiliar with foundational figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. In response, and in partnership with the late Dr. Bruce Cole, former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Prize was established to inspire historical literacy. As Dr. Cole observed, "we are a country of historical amnesiacs," and engaging books may help address this challenge.

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Eligible books must be published between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. Self-published books do not qualify. Submissions must be made online via the submission form. For further details, visit https://gratefulamericanbookprize.org/.