Finalists in the 2008 Best Books of Indiana Competition were revealed for fiction, nonfiction and children's/young adult categories. No entries were selected in the poetry category.

A panel of judges in each category considered all entries and granted awards at their discretion. According to the Indiana Center for the Book, entries were judged on the quality of writing, with organization and interpretation also considered. Only books published in 2007 were considered.

Fiction

"Breathing Out the Ghost," by Kirk Curnett of Montgomery, Ala. (River City Publishing, $24.95).

"Racing Can Be Murder," by Brenda Roberston Stewart of Mooresville and Tony Perona of Plainfield (Blue River Press, $12.95)

Children's/Young Adult "Fighting for Equality: A Life of May Wright Sewall," by Ray Boomhower of Indianapolis (Indiana Historical Society Press, $17.95).

"When I Crossed No-Bob," by Margaret McMullen of Evansville (Houghton Mifflin, $16). (McMullen won this category in 2005 for "How I Found the Strong.")

"A Belief in Providence: A Life of Saint Theodora Guérin," by Julie Young of Indianapolis (Indiana Historical Society Press, $17.95.).

Nonfiction

"Slinging Donuts for the Boys," by James Madison of Bloomington (Indiana University Press).

"Sailing the Inland Sea," by Susan Neville of Indianapolis (Quarry Books).

"The Farmers Market Book," by Jennifer Robinson of Solsberry. (Indiana University Press).

Poetry

For the first time since the competition began in 2005, judges chose not to select any titles.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Indiana State Library, 140 N. Senate Ave.