At Empowering Books Publishing, our core mission has always been to champion stories that build resilience, foster inner strength, and give voice to journeys of personal growth. Like the OSU Rising series award winning YA fiction hit, OSU. Today, we are immensely proud and thrilled to announce that this breakout first installment by Sensei Sarhn has officially been named a Distinguished Favorite in the 2026 NYC Big Book Awards for both Young Adult Fiction and Audiobook Fiction!
From the Karate Mat to the Page: The Vision Behind OSU
When Sensei Sarhn set out to write OSU, the goal was never just to script a conventional martial arts story; it was to capture the visceral emotional reality of adolescence. The protagonist’s journey inside a small-town karate dojo mirrors the internal pressures so many young adults face—navigating self-doubt, managing high-stakes pressure, and discovering that true strength is rooted in character and self-acceptance. Seeing readers connect deeply with these themes has always been rewarding, but receiving independent literary recognition from the NYC Big Book Awards validates the meticulous craft and heart poured into this expanding universe.
Celebrating the OSU Rising Series Award Winning YA Fiction Milestone
The recognition from the 2026 NYC Big Book Awards marks a monumental chapter for the press and author alike. When an independent title breaks through the noise to secure dual honors in Young Adult Fiction and Audiobook Fiction, it highlights the universal resonance of Sensei Sarhn’s storytelling. As readers continue to discover the depth, resilience, and martial arts heart woven into the narrative, this milestone cements the foundation for everything yet to come in the universe.
What Winning a NYC Big Book Award Means for the OSU Rising Series?
Industry accolades like this serve a vital purpose in small press and independent publishing—they bridge the gap between brilliant indie releases and the readers, educators, and librarians actively searching for exceptional content. As an independent press, backing world-building and character-driven storytelling takes immense dedication. Having OSU recognized as an OSU Rising series award winning YA fiction milestone brings well-deserved visibility to future releases. It stands as a testament to the fact that independent voices are delivering top-tier literary excellence!
What’s Next on the Horizon for Readers?
Awards mark incredible milestones along a publishing journey, but they are never the final destination. The continuous support from our reading community and literary enthusiasts is what drives this small independent press forward. Whether you have followed Sensei Sarhn’s work since the beginning or you are just discovering OSU through its recent award win and audiobook release, thank you for being part of this journey. Stay tuned, because the path forward for the OSU Rising series holds even greater adventures.
YAME book #2 in OSU Rising series is released world wide October 23rd 2026!
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