«When a relationship is told truthfully, a change is born! This is the spirit of the “Pontremoli – City of the Book and the Family” Literary Award: stories that do not simply narrate, but that open perspectives, question life and sow transformation». The words of the prize secretary, Vittorio Ricchiutoconvey the beauty and variety of the stories that have arrived in Pontremoli every year for five years. The National Forum of family associations, in collaboration with the Municipality of Pontremoli and the Città del Libro Foundation, announces the selection of the eighteen texts that have passed the first phase of the fifth edition of the “Pontremoli – Città del Libro e della Famiglia” literary prize, whose final ceremony will be held on 4 July 2026 in Pontremoli (Massa-Carrara). The reports received were 107 in total and come largely from readers, families and associations, as well as from authors and publishing houses: a particularly significant figure, which highlights how the initiative is rooted not only in the editorial context, but above all in the Italian associative fabric.
«The fact that the readers themselves promote the texts represents a distinctive element» he observes Adriano Bordignonpresident of the National Forum of Family Associations speaking with SIR. «The Prize was born from the concrete experience of people and families, which they recognize in the books proposed works capable of authentically narrating family relationships, including challenges and resources».
Among the works reported, the Organizing Committee has identified eighteen selected texts, consisting of works of fiction published for the first time in 2025, which are now entering the next phase of evaluation. The volumes will be subjected to examination by the Commission, composed of eighteen experts and chaired by Francesco Giorgino.
The works offer a broad and detailed look at the contemporary family experience, addressing themes such as emotional relationships, parenting, fragility, pain, growth and rebirth. A lively, profound and non-stereotypical narrative emergescapable of restoring the complexity of the family and its human and social value.
«The Award» adds Bordignon «is thus confirmed as an important cultural and social initiative aimed at promoting an authentic reflection on the familyunderstood not only as a private reality, but as a fundamental social subject, capable of generating bonds, cohesion and common good”.
By May 31, 2026, the Commission will identify the six books that will form the sixth finalist, which will enter the final phase.
The selected books are: “Family Embrace” by Stefania Squarcini, “Dancing in the rain – Families, separations and rebirths” by Grazia Ofelia Cesaro, “From the belly and the heart” by Luca Russo, “Two souls – Bonds that heal and change life” by Alice Canale, “And if…” by Elena Chimetto, “Take a deep breath and listen” by Donata Maria Biase, “Till the last breath – Story of Niko and her father Toto” by Niko Cutugno, “Elena’s smile – Love is stronger” by Andreea Porcilescu, “I who loved you so much” by Roberta Recchia, “The five stones” by Rosario Esposito, “In the heart of the son” by Pierluigi Vito, “Scialacca” by Kristine Maria Rapino, “Seven days for a wedding” by Marina P. Floris, “Surprise me again” by Roberta Azzola, “Superheroes in foster care – Stories of children welcomed into the family” by Daniele Racca, “Tecla” by Valeria Petrullo, “Via Tabacchi” by Mario Abrate, “Lives on the edge of time – The big heart of women” by Caterina Arnoldi.
