The Independent Book Publishers Association’s Benjamin Franklin Award program recognizes excellence in books released by independent publishers during the calendar year 2017. Out of close to 1,500 entries, only three to four finalists were named in more than 50 categories. The winner of each category will be announced during a special gala on April 6. Both She Writes Press and SparkPress authors were finalists during this award season.

Animals & Pets
Dog As My Doctor, Cat As My Nurse: An Animal Lover’s Guide to a Healthy, Happy, and Extraordinary Life
Author: Carlyn Montes De Oca

Autobiography & Memoir
Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing, and Pregnancy After Loss
Author: Alexis Marie Chute

Mikey and Me: Life With My Exceptional Sister
Author: Teresa Sullivan

While They’re Still Here: A Memoir
Author: Patricia Williams

Popular Fiction
The Bad Dream Notebook
Author: Linda Dahl

Fiction: Historical
When It’s Over: A Novel
Editor: Barbara Ridley

Fiction: Romance
Swearing Off Stars
Author: Danielle M. Wong

Psychology
It Never Ends: Mothering Middle-aged Daughters
Author: Sandra Butler and Nan Fink Gefen

Best New Voice: Fiction
Eden
Author: Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg

Best New Voice: Nonfiction
Expecting Sunshine: A Journey of Grief, Healing, and Pregnancy After Loss
Author: Alexis Marie Chute

Young Reader: Fiction (8-12 years)
The Forbidden Temptation of Baseball
Author: Dori Jones Yang