Two authors with Minnesota ties are among the finalists for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, which carries an award of $10,000 for each winner.

Louise Erdrich, who lives in Minneapolis, was nominated for her novel, "The Plague of Doves," which also was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. And Thomas Friedman, who grew up in St. Louis Park and now writes for the New York Times, was a finalist in nonfiction for "Hot, Flat and Crowded."

Other finalists include Ma Jian for "Beijing Coma," James McBride for "Song Yet Sung," and nine others.

A lifetime achievement award will be presented to Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, whose latest book, "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide," will be released next month.

The Dayton Prize annually honors writers who use the power of literature to foster peace, social justice and global understanding. Previous winners include Studs Terkel, Elie Wiesel, Junot Diaz and Edwidge Danticat. Winners will be announced Sept. 22, and awards will be presented in Dayton, Ohio, on Nov. 8.

LAURIE HERTZEL