The Canada Council for the Arts is celebrating the best in Canadian literature: our Governor General’s Literary Awards recognize finalists and winners in seven categories, in both official languages, for readers of all ages.
The 2020 prizes were delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 awards will be given out in the fall.
The winner in each category will receive $25,000.
The winners will be announced on June 1, 2020.
The Canada Council for the Arts is a partner of the CBC Literary Prizes.
Young People’s Literature – Text (English)
Harvey Holds His Own by Colleen Nelson, illustrated by Tara Anderson (Pajama Press)
Nevers by Sara Cassidy (Orca Book Publishers)
Pine Island Home by Polly Horvath (Puffin Canada / Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers)
The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson (Puffin Canada / Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers)
The King of Jam Sandwiches by Eric Walters (Orca Book Publishers)
Young People’s Literature – Illustrated Books (English)
I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott, illustrated by Sydney Smith (Neal Porter Books / Holiday House)
Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki (Groundwood Books / House of Anansi Press)
Swift Fox All Along by Rebecca Thomas, illustrated by Maya McKibbin (Annick Press)
The Barnabus Project by The Fan Brothers (Tundra Books / Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers)
Weekend Dad by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Frank Viva (Groundwood Books / House of Anansi Press)
Young People’s Literature – Text (Francais)
Cicatrices by Camille Bouchard (Les Éditions du Boréal)
Il faut de tout pour faire un monstre by Johanne Mercier (Éditions FouLire)
L’ogre et l’enfant by Magali Laurent (Bayard Canada Livres)
Lac Adélard by François Blais (la courte échelle)
Rap pour violoncelle seul by Maryse Pagé (Leméac Éditeur)
Young People’s Literature – Illustrated Books (Francais)
copine et Copine by Kim Nunès, Marie-Chantal Perron, Tammy Verge and Amélie Dubois (Les Éditions de l’Homme, division du Groupe Sogides)
Le grand méchant loup dans ma maison by Valérie Fontaine and Nathalie Dion (Éditions Les 400 coups)
Le pays aux mille soleils by Mireille Levert (Les Éditions de la Bagnole)
Mimose & Sam : Mission hibernation by Cathon (Comme des géants)
Pet et Répète : la véritable histoire by Katia Canciani and Guillaume Perreault (Fonfon)