“Freedom of expression is crumbling in America at an alarming rate … our job is to encourage people to think critically, to dream bigger, and to find representation within our pages.”
- Jodi Picoult, Grubby Award WinnerOn November 6th, 2025, GrubStreet community members gathered to celebrate 28 years of literary community, honor the visionary leadership of Founder Eve Bridburg and award The Grubby to #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Jodi Picoult.
As we gathered to celebrate 28 years of literary community, we reflected on what we have accomplished together:
- $10.5+ million paid to teaching artists for leading innovative, nationally recognized programming
- 8,000+ high school students served through our teen writing programs
- 14,000 adult writers served through free, multilingual programs at the Boston Public Library
- 1,715 student publications, including 249 books in just the past 5 years, demonstrating that inclusive networks promote unprecedented publishing success
“By writing and listening to each other’s stories ... we can create communities that foster belonging and kindness – across differences of culture, class, ethnicity, perspective, and age.”
- Eve Bridburg, Founding Executive DirectorDuring her remarks, Founding Executive Director Eve Bridburg reflected on GrubStreet’s beginnings, the bravery of writers who entrust their stories to one another, and the profound ways this community repairs and improves the world through empathy, craft, and connection.
If GrubStreet has made a difference in your own writing journey, please consider making a gift today to sustain our community and support your fellow writers. In honor of 28 years of literary community, we hope you will make a gift of $2,800, $280, a monthly recurring donation of $28, or a gift of $28.
With your support, over the next year we will:
Serve 400+ Metro Boston high school students
Provide 2,000+ students fully funded programming and mentorship
Award 765+ students with scholarships and fellowships
Reach 50,000+ arts lovers at the Center for Creative Writing, and amplify the impact of arts partners who share our space
Jodi Picoult — 2025 Grubby Awardee
Each year, the Grubby Award is given to a writer who exemplifies the literary excellence and generosity of spirit to fellow writers, readers, and one’s wider community that is at the core of GrubStreet’s mission.
We were honored to give our 2025 Grubby Award to Jodi Picoult, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including her landmark novel, 19 Minutes, which was recently deemed the most banned book in the United States in a report conducted by PEN America. Beyond the incredible artistry, relevance, and reach of Jodi’s work, we wanted to honor her contributions as a fierce advocate for women writers, marginalized writers, and freedom of expression.
Evening Highlights
The evening was filled with so many powerful and joyful moments! We hope you also enjoy these highlights from the event:
Massachusetts' Inaugural Poet Laureate Regie Gibson's opening performance
GrubStreet Student Lorena Herández Leonard's speaks about her writing journey
Funding the Future
During a time when the voices of marginalized people are silenced, stories are erased or distorted, and false and fear-based narratives erode the foundations of equity and justice, the need to sustain this vibrant community of artists is crucial.
As the nation’s leading literary arts center, GrubStreet’s creative writing programming for teens and adults encourages students to listen deeply, tell the stories that challenge dehumanizing narratives, and imagine a more just and connected world.
Learn more about the impact of your generosity and help us ensure a smooth leadership transition:
View our Write the Future Campaign Brochure
If GrubStreet has made a difference in your own writing journey, or you feel inspired by our mission to write a more just and connected future, please consider making a gift of $2,800, $280, a monthly recurring donation of $28, or a gift of $28 in honor of 28 years of literary community.
Thank You To Our Literary Host Committee
This event would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our Lit Up Literary Host Committee who generously offered support during the planning process and donated books to our event. We feel so proud that this group of generous literary citizens and stars care deeply for our community of readers and writers.
