The competition is divided into eight categories – including nonfiction, poetry, fiction and young adult literature – and features authors who were born in Indiana, grew up here or currently live in the state. The books on the shortlist cover a wide range of topics, including little-known Hoosier history, the ups and downs of family relationships, civil rights, true crime and tragedy.

Indiana Humanities, which runs the competition every two years with support from Glick Philanthropies, will announce the winners in each category on August 22.. Jurors include past winners, writers, educators, scientists, booksellers and librarians.

Here are the authors and books that made it onto the shortlist.

Non-fiction