2026 INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER BOOK AWARDS
RECOGNITION
Awards &
Recognition
Mid-Atlantic — Non-Fiction
An Unusual Path: Three Generations From Slavery to the White House has received national recognition for its powerful exploration of faith, family, history, perseverance, and the extraordinary journey of three generations.
The top honor in its region, awarded to An Unusual Path: Three Generations From Slavery to the White House for outstanding independent publishing.
Gold Medal Winner
2026 INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER BOOK AWARDS
Gold Medal Winner
Mid-Atlantic — Non-Fiction
The top honor in its region, awarded to An Unusual Path: Three Generations From Slavery to the White House for outstanding independent publishing.
Further Honors
2026 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS
• WINNER — BIOGRAPHY-HISTORICAL
• FINALIST — AFRICAN AMERICAN (NON-FICTION)
An Unusual Path: Three Generations From Slavery to the White House was nationally recognized by the 2026 National Indie Excellence Awards, earning top honors in Biography: Historical and finalist recognition in African American Non-Fiction.
Additional national recognition from the independent publishing community.
2026 NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS
• FINALIST — AFRICAN AMERICAN (NON-FICTION)
An Unusual Path: Three Generations From Slavery to the White House was recognized as a finalist in the African American (Non-Fiction) category by the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the largest international awards program for indie authors and independent publishers.
Additional national recognition from the independent publishing community.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Family Whose Journey Mirrors America Itself
This book tells the story of a family whose journey mirrors the evolution of America itself. Beginning with a grandfather born into slavery, it follows generations who rose through resilience, discipline, and service to reach the highest levels of government.
Through vivid storytelling, John Ficklin provides a rare and personal look into life connected to the White House — the traditions, the people, and the quiet dignity of those who served behind the scenes of history.
WHY THIS STORY MATTERS
This is more than a memoir — it is a reflection of perseverance, progress, and the enduring impact of family legacy. It highlights the individuals who often remain behind the scenes, yet play a critical role in shaping history's most significant moments.
In tracing three generations from bondage to the highest corridors of power, Ficklin illuminates a throughline that is fundamentally, profoundly, and movingly American.
Get Your Copy
Available now on Amazon. Join thousands of readers discovering this extraordinary American story of resilience, service, and legacy.
AS FEATURED IN
Three Generations ★ John Ficklin ★ From Slavery to the White House ★ As seen in TIME ★ USA Today ★ White House Historical Association ★ Now Available ★ Award-winning Author
Further Honors
2026 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS
• WINNER — BIOGRAPHY-HISTORICAL
• FINALIST — AFRICAN AMERICAN (NON-FICTION)
An Unusual Path: Three Generations From Slavery to the White House was nationally recognized by the 2026 National Indie Excellence Awards, earning top honors in Biography: Historical and finalist recognition in African American Non-Fiction.
2026 NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS
• FINALIST — AFRICAN AMERICAN (NON-FICTION)
An Unusual Path: Three Generations From Slavery to the White House was recognized as a finalist in the African American (Non-Fiction) category by the 2026 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the largest international awards program for indie authors and independent publishers.