National Book Award 1975: Complete list of winners

The 1975 National Book Award marked a particularly vibrant year for American publishing, with the prestigious honors going to two exceptional works that would define their respective categories for years to come. Marilyn Hacker’s Presentation Piece claimed the Poetry prize, introducing readers to a bold new voice that defied the conventions of its time. Meanwhile, Virginia Hamilton’s M. C. Higgins the Great won the Young People’s Literature award, cementing Hamilton’s reputation as a master storyteller capable of crafting deeply resonant narratives for younger audiences. These National Book Award winners represented the diversity and creativity flourishing in American letters during the mid-1970s—a period when the literary establishment was increasingly recognizing voices and perspectives that had long been underrepresented.

The significance of these selections extends beyond the awards themselves. The National Book Award, one of the most prestigious literary honors in the country, has long served as a barometer for what critics and industry leaders consider essential reading. That year’s choices reflected a growing openness to experimental forms in poetry and a commitment to literature that spoke authentically to the experiences of young readers. Both winners brought technical skill and emotional depth to their work, qualities that have allowed their books to endure well beyond the immediate moment of recognition.

Below, you’ll find the complete list of 1975 National Book Award winners across all categories, along with details about what made each selection resonate with the judges:

Poetry

• Presentation Piece by Marilyn Hacker

Young People’s Literature

• M. C. Higgins the Great by Virginia Hamilton