PIERRE, S.D. – "Badger Clark: Poetry Wrangler," authored by Nancy Bo Flood and published by the South Dakota Historical Society Press, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Western Heritage Wrangler Award in the Outstanding Juvenile Book category. The announcement of this significant literary achievement was made on April 30, 2026, following the award ceremony held earlier on April 11, 2026, in Pierre, S.D.
The Western Heritage Wrangler Award, widely recognized for its celebration of excellence in literature, music, film, and television that chronicles the American West, presented the coveted accolade to author Nancy Bo Flood. Her acclaimed work, "Badger Clark: Poetry Wrangler," delves into the life and poetic contributions of Badger Clark, South Dakota's first poet laureate, making his enduring legacy accessible and engaging for younger readers. The book's publication by the South Dakota Historical Society Press further underscores its deep connection to the region's rich history and cultural heritage.
The award ceremony, a key event in the annual recognition of Western American arts and culture, took place in Pierre, S.D., where Flood was formally acknowledged for her compelling contribution to juvenile literature. The subsequent official announcement on April 30, 2026, brings wider attention to the book's success and its vital role in preserving and promoting the diverse stories and figures of the American West.
The "Outstanding Juvenile Book" category specifically honors works that effectively convey the themes, narratives, and historical context of the West to a younger audience, thereby ensuring that crucial historical and cultural understanding is passed down through generations. "Badger Clark: Poetry Wrangler" distinguished itself among its peers for its educational value, engaging narrative style, and meticulous historical accuracy, as determined by the discerning Western Heritage Awards committee.
This significant recognition not only highlights the exceptional quality of historical and biographical works currently being produced for juvenile readers but also specifically spotlights those focusing on pivotal regional figures and their profound impact. The South Dakota Historical Society Press, a dedicated division committed to publishing scholarly and popular works on the history of South Dakota and the Northern Great Plains, proudly adds this award-winning title to its esteemed catalog.
The win for "Badger Clark: Poetry Wrangler" serves as a testament to Nancy Bo Flood's authorial talent and also casts a spotlight on the enduring legacy of Badger Clark and the vibrant literary landscape of the American West. This latest recognition from the Western Heritage Wrangler Awards solidifies the book's position as an important and celebrated contribution to both juvenile literature and regional history.