Eowyn Ivey probably never thought she would win a tournament of books while growing up in Palmer. She can think it now … thanks to the hard wortk of the Skagway Public Library.
The Pulitzer prize finalist had her book, “Black Woods, Blue Sky” selected as the winner of the Skagway Public Library’s 2026 Tournament of Books. The book was chosen by local residents as the top book earlier this month. “Black Night, Blue Sky” edged out “What We Can Know: by Ian McEwan.
“Black Woods, Blue Sky” is a 306-page dark fairy tale published in 2025 by Random House. The book follows the trials of a woman and her 6-year-old daughter, Emaleen, as they scratch out a living in rural Alaska. The woman falls in love with a man who lives in the remote woods only to discover he is more than what he appears.
Ivey, a former newspaper reporter from the Frontiersman in Wasilla, has published several books since becoming a full-time author, including “The Snow Child.” Her first book was a finalist for the Pulitizer Prize in fantasy. She followed that book up with “To the Bright Edge of the World.”
Ivey’s book edged our more than a dozen other novels during the library’s month-long tournament. The finals were held on March 22.
“Many thanks to our 2026 judges, community members who voted in the final round, and those who voted to determine our bracket’s shortlist,” Library officials said.
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