Smoke & Mirrors by Rosalyn Ransaw Named a 2026 Ohio Book Award Finalist
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Smoke & Mirrors was recently honored as an Ohio Book Award 2026 Finalist by Ohioana Library. The Ohio Book Awards are the second oldest state literary prizes in the USA. Featuring numerous NYT Bestselling and award-winning Authors across six categories, Smoke & Mirrors joins multiple notable works in the Middle Grade Literature category. Middle Grade finalists include:
The Atlas of Languages: Words Around the World by Rachel Lancashire & Illus. by Jenny Zemanek
Moonleapers by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Smoke & Mirrors by Rosalyn Ransaw
Sole Survivor by Norman Ollestad and Brendan Kiely
Survive This Safari by Natalie D. Richards
The Weirdies by Michael Buckley & Illus. by Forrest Burdett
Smoke & Mirrors is an exciting and twisty middle-grade debut mystery novel—perfect for fans of From the Desk of Zoe Washington and The Parker Inheritance—about the disappearance of a famous magician, and one boy's quest to find the truth. A diverse middle grade mystery book for kids ages 8-12, it encourages critical thinking surrounding where readers get information as a key pillar of this fast-paced, quick read -- particularly for reluctant readers in grades 3-7. Here's a review from an middle school educator in Maryland:
We've been reading Smoke and Mirrors for the past several months, and the students are completely obsessed. Reading Lunch is a completely voluntary program, and these are students (about 25-30 most days) who choose to eat in silence so they can hear the story. Over half of them are boys, who can be the hardest demographic to attract to the library. Many of the students who come for this program rarely visit the library on their own otherwise--it's a testament to how much they enjoy the book that they keep coming back. At the end of lunch, I literally have to shoo kids out so they won't be late for their next class... -Kate S., Media Specialist
The Ohio Book Award Finalist honor follows several accolades for Smoke & Mirrors by Rosalyn Ransaw including starred reviews from both Kirkus and Booklist, as well as being featured on the NYPL Best Books of the Year for 2025, School Library Journal Best Books of the Year for 2025, and Chicago Public Library Best Books of the Year for 2025 in addition to various positive reviews from outlets such as Publishers Weekly, The Wall Street Journal and The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books.
FAQ
What is the Ohio Book Awards?
First given in 1942, the awards are the second oldest state literary prizes in the nation and honor outstanding works by Ohio authors and illustrators in seven categories: Fiction, Poetry, Juvenile Literature, Middle Grade Literature, Young Adult Literature, Nonfiction and Book About Ohio or an Ohioan. The seventh category may include books by non-Ohio authors.
Who is Ohioana?
Founded in 1929 by Ohio First Lady Martha Kinney Cooper, the Ohioana Library Association's mission is to connect readers and Ohio writers. Through its collection, publications, and programs, Ohioana celebrates and promotes Ohio as one of America's great literary centers.
When are the Ohio Book Awards? The 2026 Ohio Book Awards will take place online on Zoom, on Thursday, October 15 at 7:00pm.
What genre is Smoke & Mirrors?
Smoke & Mirrors is a middle grade mystery for readers ages 8-12 or readers grades 3-7.
Want to read Smoke & Mirrors?
Smoke & Mirrors is available now at major retailers and via your local library! Already read Smoke & Mirrors? Leave a Goodreads review here.
Rosalyn Ransaw is a children's author based in Columbus, OH. She graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Political Science. At her day job, she is a Digital Marketing Manager focused on all things social media and paid advertising.
When not writing, she loves to cry watching romantic comedies and eat her weight in buffalo chicken dip.
SMOKE & MIRRORS is her debut novel.
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