An author from a town just outside of Bucks County has received a major literary award for his latest work of fiction.

James McBride, who lives just over the river from New Hope in Lambertville, New Jersey, was announced as the winner of the 2023 Kirkus Prize in fiction for his latest novel, “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store,” which was published in early August.

Kirkus Reviews, which chooses the award winners on a yearly basis, wrote about McBride’s new book online.

“James McBride has created a vibrant fictional world as only this master storyteller can,” a juror’s citation read.

The book is set in nearby Pottstown and tells the story of a community of Jewish immigrants and African Americans from long ago working together to protect a young boy.

In recent years, McBride garnered national attention for his book “The Good Lord Bird”, first published in 2013, which tells the story of abolitionist John Brown. The book was adapted into a miniseries by Showtime in 2020, with actor Ethan Hawke portraying Brown.

Learn more about the award at Kirkus Reviews.

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