Bellwether Prize

The Bellwether Prize for Fiction is a biennial award given to a U.S. citizen for a previously unpublished work of fiction that address issues of social justice. The prize was established by noted author Barbara Kingsolver, and is funded by her. Winning authors receive a $25,000 award and a publishing contract, from which they receive royalties. Submissions are judged by a panel of authors whose work shows themes of social change.

Winning authors have been:

• 2000: Donna Gershten Kissing The Virgin's Mouth
• 2002: Gayle Brandeis The Book of Dead Birds
• 2004: Marjorie Kowalski Cole Correcting the Landscape
• 2006: Hillary Jordan Mudbound
• 2008: Heidi W. Durrow The Girl Who Fell From the Sky
• 2010: Naomi Benaron Running the Rift

Authors who have served a judges include: Russell Banks, Martin Espada, Terry Karten, Maxine Hong Kingston, Ursula K. Le Guin, Barry Lopez, Toni Morrison, Ruth Ozeki, Grace Paley, and Anna Quindlen.

In May 2011, PEN American Centre announced it would take over administration of the prize, which will be known as the PEN/Bellwether Prize.

See also

• Bellwether