David Brooks of the New York Times gives each year’s Sidney Prize, honoring some of the year’s finest long-form magazine essays. Many of his 2024 selections examine how science and culture intersect; for instance Walter Russell Mead’s essay from The American Interest argues that modern political arguments revolve around two different versions of liberalism – small-state Manchester liberalism from 1890s England, and big organization managerial state liberalism from 1950s USA.

Other essays explore how modern technology has transformed our lives, and the rise of a sense of entitlement among consumers who don’t comprehend the difference between a good deal and a bargain. Furthermore, various articles reveal just how much work remains to be done across various fields–from police department abuses to helping low-income taxpayers access data for their income tax returns.

This year’s book prize follows a Chinese Jewish family from two new years – Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year! Filled with warm illustrations that depict paper cutting traditions from both holidays, this wonderful and thoughtful book tells a very humanizing tale.

AJL is delighted to be part of the team responsible for selecting this year’s winners and finalists. We hope their work inspires readers of all ages to read, so please pick up one or more of these outstanding books today. Additionally, gold or silver Sydney Taylor seals can be purchased to display alongside your winning titles!

On April 18th in Macon, GA, winners will be revealed during a ceremony hosted by Mercer University’s Spencer B. King Jr Center for Southern Studies and American Civil Rights Museum. This award honors 19th century Southern poet Sidney Lanier – born here! – while also honoring writing about the South.

Here you’ll find the 2024 Finalists along with their judges and descriptions, clickable covers for additional information about each book, podcast interviews with committee chair David Mooney as well as reviews at The Sydney Taylor Shmooze Blog (AJL’s mock award blog). Additionally, The Sydney Taylor Shmooze offers reviews as well as links to buy all winners as well as banners you can display proudly in your library or classroom.