The University of Alabama School of Law and the ABA Journal are pleased to announce the finalists for the 2016 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction. The three books chosen to compete for the prize are: “Allegiance” by Kermit Roosevelt, “Pleasantville” by Attica Locke and “Tom & Lucky and George & Cokey Flo” by C. Joseph Greaves.
The prize, authorized by the late Ms. Lee, is given annually to a book-length work of fiction that best illuminates the role of lawyers in society and their power to effect change.
Six years ago, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of To Kill a Mockingbird, and to honor former Alabama law student and author Harper Lee, The University of Alabama School of Law and the ABA Journal partnered to create The Harper Lee P
rize for Legal Fiction.
There were 24 entries for the Prize, and a team of reviewers chose three books for the Selection Committee’s consideration. The public is invited to cast its votes on the ABA Journal website [www. http://www.abajournal.com] to help determine who the winning author will be.
The public will act as the sixth judge, contributing a vote equal in weight to the selection committee members. To vote, visit: http://www.abajournal.com/polls/2016_harper_lee_prize
Voting is open until July 11.
The 2016 prize will be awarded in Washington, D.C. Sept. 22 at the Library of Congress, in conjunction with the National Book Festival. The winner will be announced prior to the ceremony and will receive a copy of “To Kill a Mockingbird” signed by Harper Lee.
A distinguished panel of writers will select the 2016 Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction. They are: Philip Beidler, Author and Professor of English, University of Alabama; Helen Ellis, Author, American Housewife; Homer Hickam, Author, Rocket Boys; Rheta Grimsley Johnson, Author, Journalist and Syndicated Columnist; and Angela Johnson, Author, Wind Flyers and Heaven.