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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—“The Accidental Reef and Other Ecological Odysseys in the Great Lakes,” by Western Michigan University professor and author Dr. Lynne Heasley (with illustrations by acclaimed artist Glenn Wolff), has been named a top indie book by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group. The book received one of three Grand Prizes for non-fiction in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards. It also won first place in two book categories: education/academic and animals/pets.  

In "The Accidental Reef," Heasley takes readers on journeys through the ecological wonders and stewardship challenges of the Great Lakes. Awards judge Martha Kennedy commended Heasley for captivating environmental storytelling that “is at once scientific and lyrical, humorous and deathly serious.”

“It was both an honor and a huge challenge,” says Heasley, “to introduce these kaleidoscopic worlds within the Great Lakes through many perspectives and ways of knowing—from the physicality of lake sturgeon at a tiny spawning reef, to the history and modernity of the international St. Clair River, to the region’s epic natural abundance and equally epic and shocking resource extraction.” 

“I’m beyond gratified that the Next Generation Indie Book Awards found the Great Lakes as fascinating and important as those of us who live here and advocate for their care, especially because we’re in the middle of biodiversity and climate crises that demand new environmental relationships to restore our lands and waters.”   

Along with other winners and finalists, the celebration of Heasley and Wolff’s achievement will take place on June 23 during a grand gala event at the Newberry Library in Chicago, coinciding with the American Library Association Annual Conference.

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards is a beacon for independent publishers, serving as the largest book awards program in the world dedicated to recognizing their outstanding contributions across literary genres. In a landscape of books often dominated by major corporations, this platform offers a strong community voice for small presses, university presses, larger independent publishers, e-book publishers and self-published authors alike.

Beyond accolades, the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards provides a unique opportunity for indie authors and publishers to expand their reach. New York literary agent Marilyn Allen of the Allen Literary Agency, recognized for her industry experience and keen eye, will review the top 80+ books from the competition. Her team’s evaluation can open doors to potential representation in various areas, including distribution, foreign rights, film rights, and other valuable opportunities. 

For information about the publication of the book or for high-resolution images, contact: Nicole Utter, Michigan State University Press, Loughann@msu.org.

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