ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – On Nina Davuluri's first day as the new Miss America, she dipped her toes into the Atlantic City surf.

But hours earlier, she had to dive headfirst into the complex challenges of becoming the first Miss America of Indian heritage.

Moments after winning, Davuluri had her first test as Miss America: The first question she was asked at a news conference was about social media users upset that someone of Indian heritage had won. "I have to rise above that," Davuluri said. "I always viewed myself as first and foremost ­American."

She said she's delighted that the nearly century-old pageant sees beauty and talent of all kinds. "I'm so happy this organization has embraced diversity," she said. "I'm thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America."

Miley and Liam call off engagement

A wrecking ball has hit Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth's relationship. Representatives for both celebrities confirmed Monday that the couple have called off their engagement. The 23-year-old Hemsworth proposed to 20-year-old Cyrus last year. They met on the set of the 2010 movie "The Last Song." Cyrus, whose hits include "We Can't Stop" and "Wrecking Ball," will release a new album called "Bangerz" on Oct. 8. Australian-born Hemsworth was one of the stars of "The Hunger Games." He will appear in the sequel, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," that will be in theaters on Nov. 22.

associated press

DiCamillo

anticipation: This year, the folks at the National Book Awards are doing things a little differently. Rather than just announcing finalists, they're releasing long lists this week, a short list next month, and the winners in November. They're also drawing out the excitement by announcing one category per day. Monday's list was young adult literature, and two of the 10 writers are from Minneapolis: Kate DiCamillo for "Flora and Ulysses," her tale of a little girl and a squirrel with superpowers, and Anne Ursu, author of "The Real Boy." DiCamillo won the Newbery Award for her second book, "The Tale of Despereaux." Ursu's most recent book, "Breadcrumbs," was named a Junior Literary Guild selection and earlier this year she was awarded a McKnight Artist Fellowship. Last year's National Book Award for young adult fiction went to Will Alexander, another Minneapolis writer. On Tuesday, the long list for poetry will be announced, followed by nonfiction on Wednesday and fiction on Thursday. The short list will be announced Oct. 16. For the long list go to http://www.nationalbook.org.

Laurie hertzel