Finding Fernanda has received various journalistic awards:

In April 2012, the Overseas Press Club recognized the title with a 2012 Robert Spiers Benjamin Award Citation for Best Reporting on Latin America.

The Northern California Society of Professional Journalists also honored the book with a James Madison Freedom of Information Award.

In May 2012, the book won a Gold Medal from the Independent Publisher’s Book Awards (IPPY Awards) for Best Book in the category of Current Affairs III.