Inside Literary Prize Awarded to “The Book Censor's Library” by Bothayna Al-Essa
The nation's only literary prize judged exclusively by incarcerated readers honors its 2026 winner at a ceremony featuring judges' reflections and live Zoom viewing from prisons across the country.
Third Annual “Inside Literary Prize” – the Nation’s Only Literary Prize Judged Exclusively by Incarcerated Readers – is Awarded to “The Book Censor's Library” by Bothayna Al-Essa
Created in 2023, the Inside Literary Prize is a national honor awarded annually by a jury of hundreds of incarcerated readers, founded by Freedom Reads, the National Book Foundation, the Center for Justice Innovation, and Interabang Books co-owner Lori Feathers.
Inside Literary Prize Celebrates Literature, Choice, and Community at Massachusetts Treatment Center
The Inside Literary Prize is the nation's first major book prize decided exclusively by people in prison.
Incarcerated Readers in Maryland Cast Votes for Nation’s First Literary Prize Judged Exclusively by Incarcerated People
Freedom Reads brings the Inside Literary Prize to Maryland correctional facilities on July 14–15
Freedom Reads Brings Inside Literary Prize to Maine Correctional Center
Program visits Maine Correctional Center as part of national literary prize for incarcerated readers
Freedom Reads Brings Inside Literary Prize to Washington State Correctional Facilities
Program visits Washington Corrections Center for Women and Washington State Penitentiary as part of national literary prize for incarcerated readers
Incarcerated Readers in Minnesota Cast Votes for Nation’s First Literary Prize Judged Exclusively by Incarcerated People
Freedom Reads brings the Inside Literary Prize and new Freedom Libraries to Minnesota correctional facilities
Freedom Reads Returns to Missouri to Open 27 Freedom Libraries Across Two Prisons
Handcrafted by formerly incarcerated men, new libraries put books within reach for readers inside
Freedom Reads Brings Inside Literary Prize to Illinois Prisons
Incarcerated judges at two Illinois prisons voted, debated, and heard from award-winning authors as Freedom Reads started its six-state Inside Literary Prize tour.
From Prison to Tribeca: Documentary on Reginald Dwayne Betts Selected for Tribeca Festival
A documentary about Reginald Dwayne Betts’ life, work, and the power of literature.
Inside Literary Prize Reveals 2026 Shortlist and Announces Six-State Prison Tour with Incarcerated Judges
Hundreds of incarcerated judges will select winner of the nation's first major book prize decided exclusively by people in prison.
Reginald Dwayne Betts Performs Felon: An American Washi Tale at San Quentin
March 4th performance marks 21 years since Betts’ release from prison