Luca Mastrantonio's "Piombo e latte" (Bompiani), Elisa Menon's "Guance bianche e rosse" (Einaudi), and Marina Zucchelli's "Latte" (Rizzoli) are the three finalists for the 2026 John Fante Opera Prima Award, the recognition for emerging authors held as part of the John Fante Festival "Il dio di mio padre", which takes place from August 20th to 23rd in Torricella Peligna, Abruzzo. The award honors John Fante, one of the most influential American writers of the twentieth century, who was the son of Abruzzese emigrants and had deep Italian connections. His father, Nicola, was born in Torricella Peligna, a town that still honors the author of "Ask the Dust" and the well-known character Arturo Bandini. The award, which is intended to encourage and honor the work of emerging authors in Italian fiction, was inspired by Bandini's own experiences as a young writer who aspired to establish himself through his writing. The ultimate decision will now be chosen by a People's Jury composed of Abruzzo readers. The winner will be announced on August 22nd at the 21st edition of the festival, which this year will focus on vulnerability, one of John Fante's most prevalent and vital themes.