Not Only Queens Wear Crowns:

Booksellers chose the story of Grace O'Malley as this year's must-read book

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Books-A-Million has officially named The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon, published by Doubleday (an imprint of Penguin Random House), as its 2026 Book of the Year (#BAMBoTY2026). The selection honors the sweeping, true-to-life saga of Grace O'Malley—a historic figure whose legendary independence, defiance, and resilience continue to inspire modern readers.

A Selection Driven by Booksellers

Unlike traditional industry awards, the Books-A-Million Book of the Year is chosen directly by store associates and booksellers across the company's network of over 220 locations.

"After months of reading, recommending, and discussing this year's books, our booksellers named The Pirate Queen a clear favorite across the company's book clubs," said Kathy Gagliano, Executive Vice President of Merchandising at Books-A-Million.

Echoing the enthusiasm of team members chain-wide, Brittany Smith, Senior Fiction Buyer at Books-A-Million, highlighted the novel's impact: "The Pirate Queen is a powerful reminder that women have never needed permission to be strong," Smith said. "Grace O'Malley fought against the limitations placed on women in a world ruled by men, refusing to shrink herself to fit the life she was expected to live. Centuries later, the battles may look different, but the courage, resilience, and determination it takes to claim our place in the world remains. Grace's story is a celebration of what happens when a woman refuses to be defined by the boundaries set for her and a reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing a woman can do is simply refuse to back down."

Author Reaction

Author Ariel Lawhon shared her excitement about the selection: "I'm so honored that Books-A-Million has chosen The Pirate Queen as their Book of the Year. I knew—from the first moment I read about Grace O'Malley—that she would be the subject of my next book. She is everything I'm drawn to in a main character: fierce and funny, rebellious, and loyal. I am delighted that countless new readers will now get to meet this wild Irish woman, and I couldn't be more grateful to the staff and readers at BAM for making that happen."

Availability & Celebrations

• In Stores & Online: Customers can purchase The Pirate Queen at Books-A-Million locations nationwide and online at BooksAMillion.com.
• Special Events & Celebrations: Readers can join Books-A-Million for exclusive author events with Ariel Lawhon on the following dates:
  • Monday, October 5: Birmingham, AL at the historic Lyric Theatre
  • Tuesday, October 13: Books-A-Million in-store event (401 S Mt Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet (Nashville), TN 37122).
  • Thursday, October 15: Philadelphia, PA at Drexel University
• Join the Celebration: Follow along and share your reading journey on social media using #BAMBoTY2026 and tagging @booksamillion, @DoubledayBooks, and @PenguinRandomHouse.

About Books-A-Million

Books-A-Million is the second-largest bookstore retailer in the United States, operating more than 220 stores primarily across the East Coast, South, and Midwest. Founded in 1917 as a small newsstand in Florence, Alabama, the company offers a vast selection of books, magazines, toys, and gifts. Books-A-Million also operates a robust e-commerce site and its popular loyalty program, the Millionaire's Club, which provides members with exclusive discounts and special offers.

Deborah Kohan, deborah.kohan@finnpartners.com

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SOURCE Books-A-Million, Inc.