USU Alum Stacie Denetsosie Named 5 Under 35

English Department alum Stacie Denetsosie was selected as a 2025 National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 honoree for her short story collection, The Missing Morningstar and Other Stories.  

Each year, the National Book Foundation selects five writers under the age of 35 who have, within the last five years, published their first and only book of fiction. The honorees are chosen by authors previously recognized by the National Book Foundation seeking to champion young authors at the beginning of their careers.  

Stacie’s work was chosen by Mona Susan Power, author of Council of Dolls. About The Missing Morningstar, Mona says, “I know I’m in the hands of a superb writer when my world drops away and I wholly surrender to their voice and vision. The Missing Morningstar knocked me out from the start. These stories pop with intense, brilliant energy — the well-crafted prose alternately poetic and stark, painting unforgettable scenes in striking detail. Denetsosie’s vivid, complex Diné characters claim space in a world that often ignores their truth. This collection is a confident storm of stories that need telling. I’m so grateful for the debut work of this blazing talent.” 

The Missing Morningstar follows the stories of indigenous people’s lives as they are affected by settler-colonialism. “I want people to know that Diné people are modern and thriving,” Stacie comments. “We are hearty as a people, as are our stories. Despite enduring forced removal and erasure, we, like desert plants, will continue to blossom and grow.” 

For Stacie, being recognized as an honoree showed her that her work has power, and it was especially powerful that her collection was selected by Mona. “I'm incredibly honored that Mona Susan Power, an Indigenous woman—Standing Rock Sioux—and a celebrated author within the Indigenous writing space, selected my book. Within my culture, it's a big deal to be recognized by a matriarch within your community, and that recognition is not lost on me,” Stacie reflects. “And to add the recognition from the National Book Foundation—that's just surreal. The distinction is also special because it shows me as a writer that my work has made an impact, and on a larger scale, Indigenous stories in Utah matter.” 

5 Under 35 honorees will be recognized at a ceremony in June and awarded a cash prize. Each author will get to read some of their work to celebrate this incredible achievement. “I’m super excited. I’ll be able to meet Mona and the other judges and chat with the other honorees,” Stacie comments.  

Congratulations, Stacie, on this outstanding honor!