The Firecracker Alternative Book Awards herald the best in wildly independent writing and publishing — the people who sharpen the cutting edge, the First-Amendment radicals with a bad attitude.   For many years, The Fireccracker was the leading, most sought after alternative press award, now reincarnated. Ted Rall was one of NBM’s previous winners. This year, NBM has been nominated for three of their five graphic novel nominees: All Star by Jesse Lonergan It's the end of the school year in 1998. Mark McGwire is racing Sammy Sosa to break the home run record, Bill Clinton is being questioned about a White House intern named Monica Lewinsky, Semisonic's Closing Time is on top of the charts, and Carl Carter is leading the Elizabeth Monarchs of rural Vermont to the state championship in his senior year. A full scholarship to the University of Maine is waiting for him, and everyone says he has a shot at the pros. He’s so good he can do whatever he wants. Until he makes one very arrogant mistake.

Beauty by Hubert & Kerascoet

The team behind Miss Don’t Touch Me is back with an engrossing tale for grown-ups on the nature of beauty, both fascinating and corrupting.

When Coddie unintentionally delivers a fairy from a spell that held her prisoner, she does not realize how poisoned the wish is she gets in return. From repulsive and stinking of fish she becomes perceived as magnetically beautiful, which does not help her in her village. A young local lord saves her but soon it becomes apparent her destiny may be far greater…

Family Ties by Eric Hobbs and Noel Tuazon

In Family Ties, an aging Alaskan crime boss looks to retire and divide his empire amongst his three heirs, hoping to secure a future for his children. But when his idealistic son refuses the inheritance, the old man disowns him. This turns out to be a fatal mistake when he sees his cold-blooded daughters use their new-found power and influence against him. Inspired by the classic play King Lear, This epic tale of betrayal and loss combines The Godfather with Shakespearean tragedy.

We’re very proud of all of our creators and staff, and wish to thank those who chose to nominate us!