The Rhino Keeper Named a Finalist for the Midwest Book Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wichita Author Honored as Midwest Book Awards Finalist for Novel About 18th-Century Rhinoceros Keeper
Minneapolis, MN – May 8, 2025 – Jillian Forsberg of Wichita, Kansas, has been recognized as a finalist in the Historical Fiction category of the 35th annual Midwest Book Awards for her debut novel, The Rhino Keeper.
"At History Through Fiction, we are thrilled to see Jillian's work recognized in this way," said Colin Mustful, founder and publisher at History Through Fiction. "The Rhino Keeper showcases Jillian's unique ability to illuminate overlooked moments in history with heart, depth, and impeccable research."
Set in the 18th century, The Rhino Keeper tells the poignant story of a man tasked with caring for a rhinoceros transported from India to Europe, exploring themes of displacement, empathy, and the human-animal bond. Richly researched and emotionally resonant, the novel offers a rare window into a forgotten corner of history.
In addition to being a finalist for the Midwest Book Awards, The Rhino Keeper is also a finalist for the 2025 Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Book Awards in the category of cover design. The striking cover was created by Christine Horner of The Book Cover Whisperer, who has designed many of History Through Fiction's acclaimed titles.
Jillian Forsberg will publish her second novel, The Porcelain Menagerie, with History Through Fiction on October 21, 2025. A companion novel to The Rhino Keeper, The Porcelain Menagerie continues Forsberg’s exploration of historical animal-human relationships and hidden narratives. A cover reveal is scheduled for June 1.
Gold winners of the Midwest Book Awards will be announced in person at the 35th Annual Midwest Book Awards Gala on June 28, 2025, at the Frey Theater at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. The event will be emceed by Kansas City media personality Cherayla Haynes and will include a tribute to Midwest Independent Publishers Association (MiPA) founder Sybil Smith.
The Midwest Book Awards are presented by MiPA, a non-profit organization supporting independent publishers across twelve Midwestern states. Open to books published in the previous year, the awards are judged by booksellers, librarians, and academic professionals.
This year’s awards recognize excellence in 32 categories and celebrate the outstanding literary work emerging from the Midwest’s vibrant publishing community. The June 28, 2025, awards gala is open to the public with advance registration required. Learn more at www.mipa.org/bookawards.
About History Through Fiction: Founded in 2019 by author and historian Colin Mustful, History Through Fiction is a publisher dedicated to producing high-quality historical novels that entertain, educate, and inspire. The press supports emerging and established authors committed to crafting compelling narratives rooted in history.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Colin Mustful
Email: editor@historythroughfiction.com
Phone: 651-788-0055
