FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Toronto (August 25, 2026)—The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is excited to announce the finalists for the following six major awards celebrating Canadian books for young people:
- Amy Mathers Teen Book Award ($5,000)
- David Booth Children’s and Youth Poetry Award ($3,500)
- Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People ($3,000)
- Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award ($20,000)
- Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award ($5,000)
- Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction ($10,000)
The nominated titles represent exceptional quality of work by Canadian book creators from across the country. Each nominated title captures the imaginations of young readers and was chosen by our juries to represent the best in their category.
The winners of the awards will be announced at an in-person event at the DoubleTree by Hilton’s downtown Toronto location on Monday, October 26, where $46,500 in prize monies will be awarded. The event will be live streamed. Tickets go on sale mid-September.
“The CCBC is extremely proud of these awards and what they mean to the children’s book community,” says Stephanie Wells, CCBC Executive Director. These outstanding books represent 18 publisher imprints, and 46 authors, illustrators and translators. We are so pleased to uplift their stories through our awards program. The 2026 finalists showcase excellence across genres and formats, including poetry, picture books, non-fiction, middle grade, young adult fiction and graphic novels. The finalists include stories from the past, the present and the future; they capture small moments and big ideas; they are stories of friendship, family, curiosity, adventure, humour, compassion, and the fantastical—truly something for every reader. We are grateful to our awards sponsors and supporters for making this all possible!”
To help ensure that all youth have access to great Canadian children’s literature, the CCBC is continuing its partnership with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA). CELA will feature the shortlisted titles that are currently available in their library catalogue.
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is proud to share the nominated titles and the juries’ praise for why each title was selected. The finalists for each award are listed below.
Visit the CCBC’s YouTube channel to watch the shortlist videos featuring our nominated titles.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Wells
Executive Director
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre
416-975-0010 ext. 1
stephanie@bookcentre.ca
* * * *
Amy Mathers Teen Book Award ($5,000)
Supported by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre
Among Ghosts
Written by Rachel Hartman (Vancouver, BC)
Penguin Teen Canada
“Set in a town with a haunted abbey full of secrets, Among Ghosts is a captivating fantasy in which the past refuses to stay dead and wisdom can be corrupted by fear... This richly atmospheric fantasy novel is full of detailed, gothic world building and nuanced characters... This story has it all: murder, ghosts and a horrible plague. Hartman’s chapters are written like short stories with cliffhangers that make the reader read on.”
A Drop in the Ocean
Written by Léa Taranto (Burnaby, BC)
Arsenal Pulp Press
“Heartfelt, authentic, and uplifting, A Drop in the Ocean explores the challenges of mental health with compassion and honesty... Frank first-person narration captures the complex struggles faced by a 16-year-old girl hospitalized for obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as the tender, transformative and imperfect relationships that help her to heal... Growing from someone who needs support to someone who also offers it, Mira reminds readers that every miracle begins with small steps and that resilience can lead to hope.”
The Fragments that Remain
Written by Mackenzie Angeconeb (Sioux Lookout, ON)
DCB Young Readers
“This powerful epistolary novel explores grief, identity, and the enduring bonds of familial love... Just like the title says, Angeconeb has stylistically used fragments to tell the story of a brother and sister, one living, one dead. The use of poetry and prose, short and longform, gives the character, Andy, space to figure out her identity, her relationship with family and friends, and what it means to learn how to live as one. Angeconeb achieves this without giving the reader all the words but all the feelings.”
He’s So Possessed with Me
Written by Corey Liu (Vancouver, BC)
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
“A masterfully crafted plot that highlights true character growth and rich metaphorical depth. He's So Possessed with Me strips away the sugar-coated faerie romance illusion to expose a darker reality beneath... A perfect, punchy blend of sharp-witted dialogue and supernatural suspense pulses throughout this truly distinctive allegorical horror novel about abusive relationships. The power of platonic friendships is at the beating heart of this fresh, funny and fierce debut.”
Songs for Ghosts
Written by Clara Kumagai (Dundalk, Ireland)
Penguin Teen Canada
“Songs for Ghosts is a haunting tale of past and present, told through a young woman’s past diary entries and a present-day Adam... Kumagai’s exquisite, elegant writing seamlessly blends Japanese history and folklore with a modern coming-of-age story. Immediately drawing readers into hauntingly parallel lives, the dual narrative eloquently reveals how the past and present are inextricably intertwined, as historical traumas and ancestral grief cycle through generations... This story explores the weight of the past, the tragedy of war, women’s agency, and multicultural identity, while reminding readers that although history may repeat itself, we are not bound by the choices of those who came before us.”
You Started It
Written by Jackie Khalilieh (Markham, ON)
Tundra Books
“Funny, heartfelt, and filled with authentic characters, You Started It proves that sometimes losing what you thought you wanted is just a step toward finding what you truly need... Jackie Khalilieh has created likeable and smart teenagers. Her writing is crisp with sharp observations and funny banter... The curated musical playlist at the end is like a bonus surprise from a friend. A compulsively readable, swoon-worthy novel.”
JURY MEMBERS: Fatma Faraj, Junior School Teacher-Librarian, Branksome Hall; Linda Ludke, Collections Management Librarian, London Public Library; Lili Sun, Librarian Consultant, Eastern Shores School Board.
* * * *
David Booth Children’s and Youth Poetry Award ($3,500)
Supported by Shelley Stagg Peterson
The Lightning Circle
Written by Vikki VanSickle (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Laura K. Watson (Sackville, NB)
Tundra Books
“The Lightning Circle is a reassuring, and at times, jubilant meditation on girlhood, coming of age, and the value of community. VanSickle weaves an honest and intimate story that celebrates the magic of sleepaway camp and how close relationships forged there help to heal one’s broken heart... Inspired spot illustrations by Laura K. Watson capture the essence of VanSickle’s tender and heartfelt poetry in this charming and easy-to-read novel in verse.”
Lights at Night
Written by Tasha Hilderman (Lloydminster, AB)
Illustrated by Maggie Zeng (Montreal, QC)
Tundra Books
“In Lights at Night, Tasha Hilderman’s poetry gently guides the reader down a dimly lit path through the mysteries and wonders of various forms of nighttime light... Hilderman’s tale is rich with evocative language, exudes warmth and coziness, and offers a fresh addition to the bedtime story canon... Zeng illuminates Hilderman’s poetry with her captivating illustrations, providing plenty of her own mystery and wonder to help complete this spellbinding and cohesive book.”
A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests
Written by Caroline Adderson (Vancouver, BC)
Illustrated by Lauren Tamaki (Toronto, ON)
Groundwood Books
“What thoughts may swim in the pond of the mind? Which of these may catch our attention? Inspire our art? Or become mere distractions? In A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests, Caroline Adderson answers these questions and more... Adderson emulates the spare writing of haiku in this invented story about how Bashō, the Japanese poet, might have created his poem “Old Pond.” The text is lyrical and alliterative... Tamaki’s whimsical illustrations bloom with all the colours of a poet’s inner world... A lovely book all around.”
Reasons to Look at the Night Sky
Written by Danielle Daniel (Little Current, ON)
Tundra Books
“Eleven-year-old Luna is the passionate stargazer in all of us. Her boundless curiosity reminds us of our own limitless potential for learning, growth, and for finding meaning in all manner of life’s mysteries... Occasional use of concrete poems and Luna’s mother’s haiku add a variety of styles in the text and layout... This dear, warm-hearted story about a girl who aspires to be an astronaut is an inspiring love letter to other girls who dream of doing the same... In this captivating poetic narrative, Danielle Daniel gives us many good reasons to look at the night sky.”
Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams
Written by Shari Green (Campbell River, BC)
Andrews McMeel Publishing
“Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams has it all: love, grief, family drama, and even a church with a voice of its own... The evocative and taut free verse underscores the tension of living through a fraught political moment... This gripping tale sheds light on life in 1980s East Germany and speaks to the power of music, as well as to the importance of standing up for what is right and speaking out against what is not.”
This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake
Written by Nicholas Ruddock (Guelph, ON)
Illustrated by Ashley Barron (Toronto, ON)
Groundwood Books
“Fifteen poems in jaunty rhyming verse follow the seasons from spring to winter in this attractive book about the fragility of nature... Nicholas Ruddock’s poetry gives each of these a page, a place in the world, and a sense of meaning in the great cycle of it all. Like each small marvel it showcases, this work, which features bright and beautifully textured illustrations by Ashley Barron, is a quiet wonder to behold.”
JURY MEMBERS: Khodi Dill, author, educator and spoken word artist; Theo Heras, children's author, children's librarian (retired), and children's literature advocate; Carol-Ann Hoyte, children's poet and former school librarian.
* * * *
Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People ($3,000)
Supported by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Bilson Endowment Fund
I Won't Feel This Way Forever
Written by Kim Spencer (Prince Rupert, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
“Kim Spencer’s follow-up to Weird Rules to Follow is a quiet but emotionally impactful exploration of grief, identity, family, and resilience... Spencer offers readers a beautifully rich and evocative exploration of Indigenous family and intergenerational relationships through the eyes of Mia, a young girl navigating life in 1980s British Columbia... Mia’s experiences are both relatable and informative... Poetic, beautiful passages and insights scattered throughout the text captures voice so well... A heartwarming story of a family pulling together and taking care of each other in a time of grief.”
Joe and the Wreck of the Tribune
Written by Jacqueline Halsey (Dartmouth, NS)
Nimbus Publishing
“In this little gem of a book, author Jacquline Halsey immerses readers in late 18th-century Nova Scotia and into the lives of ordinary folks... Halsey captures the naïve young voice of the main character, Joe, and the vernacular of the place and time so well... Joe’s life and story is rendered with care and attention to detail, highlighting the daily life of an orphan teenager trying to find his own way in life while attempting to understand how he came to be abandoned on an old woman’s doorstep. Through impressive detail and underlying suspense, Halsey’s novel is sure to captivate a wide array of readers.”
Saving Wolfgang
Written by Gregor Craigie (Victoria, BC)
Orca Book Publishers
“Set in the 1980s, Saving Wolfgang is a carefully crafted story of grief, friendship, hope, and the power of connection during difficult moments in life. Gregor Craigie’s talents render a challenging topic manageable for young readers, focusing on moments of hope to break up the heavier topics of mental health and suicide. Hockey serves as not just a distraction for Wolfie, but as a space for healing and self-exploration... Wolfie will skate right into the hearts of young readers, as they discover how kids lived without phones, Google and social media, and yet how many aspects of childhood, like friendship and love of sport, are universal through time.”
Seabird
Written by Michelle Kadarusman (Toronto, ON)
Pajama Press
“Inspired by the life of Javanese feminist and activist Raden Adjeng Kartini, Michelle Kadarusman brings history alive in this engrossing story about a high-born Javanese girl and her fight against entrenched patriarchal traditions, and the right for girls to pursue education... Seabird is a compelling narrative that is as informative as it is entertaining, highlighting a place and moment in history that is not as known as it should be. The addition of back matter that includes biographical details and historical notes ensure that young readers are given the tools to make connections between the story and real life.”
A Storm Unleashed
Written by Carol Matas (Winnipeg, MB)
Scholastic Canada
“A Storm Unleashed is a compelling narrative that puts Carol Matas’s historical research on full display... In this poignant and sometimes terrifying story about life in Berlin for a half-Jewish girl during the rise of Hitler, Matas deftly explores some difficult topics including identity, family and loyalty, antisemitism, and political violence... Mia’s story is sure to capture the attention of young readers and provide them with insights for a world that seems intent upon not learning from the past.”
JURY MEMBERS: Dr. Rob Bittner, children's and YA literature specialist, and Past-President of the Association for Library Service to Children (2024-2025); Ray Fernandes, Program Officer, Nova Scotia Dept. of CCTH, and former children’s librarian; Tracey Schindler, reviewer and former teacher; Gail de Vos (chair), author, storyteller and Adjunct (Associate) Professor, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta.
* * * *
Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award ($20,000)
Supported by A. Charles Baillie
Everybelly
Written and illustrated by Thao Lam (Toronto, ON)
Groundwood Books
“With childlike wonder, warmth, and wit, this wonderfully relatable picture book celebrates self-acceptance and the joy of being exactly who you are... Told from the point of view of a young child is a quirky picture book celebrating the diversity of human bellies. The child’s sweet narrative takes readers on a day trip to the local pool where observations of the swimmers’ unique bellies are portrayed in an artistic manner... Cut-paper collage illustrations are a perfect match for the playful text. An engaging read for all ages.”
Ins and Outs
Imagined by Elizabeth Withey (Calgary, AB)
Illustrated by Salini Perera (Toronto, ON)
Orca Book Publishers
“This inventive picture book invites readers to play with language while encouraging observation and critical thinking... Employing familiar settings, Perera’s large, bold artwork provides visual expression to Withey’s imaginings of the various ways in which the meaning of the simple words “in” and “out” can change simply because of the context in which they are used... The interpretations are simple, playful, and thoughtful. This is a book that will be on repeat at home and with each turn of the page, something new can be discovered.”
My Friend May
Written and illustrated by Julie Flett (Okanagan Falls, BC)
Greystone Kids
“A charming story, just right for young readers, comes to life through Flett’s gorgeous illustrations and understated narrative voice... Flett’s pastel-and-pencil illustrations capture a little girl’s increasing anxiety as her pet cat, May, goes missing... Each page is beautifully detailed and designed to gently tell the story of the special connection humans can have with animals... Cat owners will immediately recognize the authentic portrayal of May’s feline behaviours while identifying with Margaux’s genuine feelings of loss... The Cree-language back matter enriches the reading experience.”
The One About the Blackbird
Written by Melanie Florence (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Matt James (Toronto, ON)
Tundra Books
“A beautifully crafted picture book that tells a touching, full-circle story with tenderness and care... Music, especially one song, becomes the glue that binds a grandfather and grandson together in this moving tale wherein time sees the once young guitar pupil and his now elderly teacher changing roles... Stunning mixed-media artwork, masterful pacing, and well-chosen words combine to create a moving tale that will resonate with children and adults alike... A welcome addition to any home.”
Rock
Written by Laurel Croza (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Matt James (Toronto, ON)
Groundwood Books
“A deceptively simple story with surprising depth that quietly delivers a powerful message about bullying and self-confidence without ever feeling didactic... Knowing who you are and staying true to that identity are core to this tale of a rock that is being verbally assailed by a flock of noisy seagulls, one in particular, that are seeking to diminish the rock’s sense of self-esteem... Striking artwork and carefully chosen design elements, from textured cover to character-specific fonts and symbolic endpapers, make for a memorable picture book worthy of repeat readings.”
JURY MEMBERS: Dr. Dave Jenkinson, Professor Emeritus, Children’s & YA Literature, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba, and former Editor, CM: Canadian Review of Materials; Jade Lee, elementary teacher-librarian, Vancouver School Board; Janis Nostbakken, children's media specialist.
* * * *
Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award ($5,000)
Supported by Alice Chase
Akemi's Song
Written by Joanne Kwok (Markham, ON)
Illustrated by Yiting Hui (Calgary, AB)
Plumleaf Press
“A touching story about self-discovery, belonging, and the courage to follow one's own path... Yiting Hui's soft, detailed watercolour illustrations bring each scene to life with warmth and quiet beauty, perfectly complementing the story's gentle, lyrical tone... Akemi's Song encourages readers to explore the natural world with curiosity and wonder, discovering confidence, hope, and a deeper appreciation for both the environment and the family/community that support us as we find our own place in the world... The captivating illustrations feel like stepping into a living landscape painting, creating an immersive reading experience that lingers long after the final page.”
Fantastic Lou: Little Comics from Real Life
Written and illustrated by Qin Leng (Toronto, ON)
Tundra Books
“Heartwarming, relatable, and full of gentle humour, Fantastic Lou is a joyful celebration of childhood and the everyday moments that make it fantastic... Qin Leng crafts gentle, uplifting stories that celebrate the wonder in ordinary life while exploring themes of humanity and belonging... Lou is clever, endearing, endlessly entertaining, and unapologetically himself, leaving readers eager to discover what he will do or say next... Rendered in expressive pen-and-ink with a subdued palette of blue, Leng's minimalist illustrations convey remarkable warmth, emotion, and personality. Rich in subtle details and visual humour, each panel invites us to linger, examine and enjoy.” 
kisēwātisi – Be Kind
Written by Elizabeth Merasty (Kenaston, SK)
Illustrated by Brie Phillips (Regina, SK)
Woodland Cree translation by Edie Venne (La Ronge, SK)
Your Nickel's Worth Publishing
“Elizabeth Merasty shares a touching story that explores resilience through a unique and meaningful lens, reminding readers of the importance of holding onto what is right and true. kisēwātisi – Be Kind delivers a timeless and powerful message about the importance of kindness, even in the face of hardship. Through moving illustrations and a story rooted in friendship, compassion, and resilience, it highlights the strength young people can find in supporting one another through difficult experiences... Brie Phillips's illustrations complement the narrative with warmth and sensitivity, honouring both the difficult history and the enduring strength of the human spirit.”
Little Moments in a Big Universe
Written and illustrated by Todd Stewart (Montreal, QC)
Owlkids Books
“Little Moments in a Big Universe is a science fiction picture book that seamlessly blends cosmic exploration with a gentle message about community, empathy, and interconnectedness. Told through shifting perspectives, the story pairs scientific wonder with quiet observation, reminding us how changing our viewpoint can transform how we see the world as it moves from the microscopic to the cosmic... Stewart's bold visuals simultaneously capture both loneliness and belonging, creating a story that feels fantastical while remaining deeply human and completely relatable... Visually stunning and deeply thought-provoking, it is a moving celebration of our shared place in an ever-expanding universe.”
Oasis
Written and illustrated by Guojing (Surrey, BC)
Godwin Books
“Oasis takes readers on an emotional journey in which every character is challenged to learn, adapt, and grow. By weaving timeless truths into a future-set narrative, Guojing creates a story that feels both imaginative and deeply human, while the unmatched illustrations and text work together to create an experience greater than the sum of its parts... At its heart is the tender bond between siblings JieJie and DiDi, whose love and devotion are portrayed with such authenticity that readers feel every moment of their journey. Inspired by China's "left-behind children," the novel offers a poignant reflection on family separation, resilience, and sacrifice.”
JURY MEMBERS: Michelle Dimnik, retired teacher, and founding member, Rocky Mountain Book Award: An Alberta Children's Choice Book Award; Aaron Fitchett, Principal, Lethbridge School Division; Ruth McMahon, librarian.
* * * *
Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction ($10,000)
Supported by the Fitzhenry Family Foundation
Game Changers: Stories of Hijabi Athletes from Around the World
Written by Charlene Smith (Edmonton, AB)
Illustrated by Natalya Tariq (Ottawa, ON)
Orca Book Publishers
“With vivid illustrations and an uplifting message, this inspiring book highlights the talents and achievements of hijabi athletes from around the world... What makes Game Changers such an powerful and inspiring book is that it offers readers an opportunity to learn about these athletes… It’s about recognizing and accepting cultural differences on a global level and isn’t focused exclusively on the injustices in sports but rather on the success these outstanding athletes have had because of their passion for sports... Readers will be left motivated and inspired to follow their dreams, no matter what challenges they encounter.”
Never Silent: A Hiroshima Survivor's Story
Written by Setsuko Thurlow (Toronto, ON) and Kathy Lowinger (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Michelle Theodore (Edmonton, AB)
Annick Press
“Never Silent is a finely nuanced and exceptionally moving account of peace activist Setsuko Thurlow’s life from her earliest memories of her childhood in Hiroshima, followed by the devastating firsthand impact she witnesses after the dropping of the atomic bomb and the life she’s built since as a survivor... Its compelling storytelling and striking imagery fosters understanding, compassion, and empathy within the reader... Theodore’s illustrations are also quite profound and provocative, and her colour palette’s earthen tons are very effective as are the sharp lines and scratches she uses to give readers a sense of what the bomb did to its victims... It is an unforgettable read that will sit with you long after you close the cover.”
Ours to Tell: Reclaiming Indigenous Stories
Written by Eldon Yellowhorn (Vancouver, BC) and Kathy Lowinger (Toronto, ON)
Annick Press
“This vibrant anthology celebrates extraordinary Indigenous creators who share their histories, cultures, and experiences through art and storytelling… Throughout history, we have seen time and time again that Indigenous stories are often told by others and omit important information. The tales in this book weave history, lived experiences and traditions that have been encountered by various Indigenous individuals from across North America… Ours to Tell offers an excellent starting point for important conversations about why Indigenous stories need to be told, how these stories differ from colonialist narratives and their importance as acts of resistance… Readers are left with an uplifting look of how these changemakers have paved the way for future generations.”
The Sustainable School: A Journey Through Time and Energy
Written by Erica Fyvie (Toronto, ON)
Illustrated by Scot Ritchie (Vancouver, BC)
Kids Can Press
“Blending STEM, history, and environmental themes, this engaging book takes readers on a journey through time to discover ways to make a school more energy efficient... Fyvie effortlessly blends science and history to encourage young readers to think critically about the choices they make today and the impact that these choices have on the future, while Ritchie's vibrant illustrations help bring complex concepts to life. The creative format and engaging visuals make this an outstanding resource for classrooms and libraries, empowering the next generation with practical ideas, fascinating facts, and a hopeful vision for building a more sustainable world.”
The True Story of Vanilla: How Edmond Albius Made History
(Orca Biography)
Written by Ann Richards (Brampton, ON)
Illustrated by Arden Taylor (Toronto, ON)
Orca Book Publishers
“The remarkable story of Edmond Albius, an enslaved boy whose ingenuity transformed the vanilla industry. Blending botany, history, and the legacy of racism, this compelling biography is brought to life with colourful, expressive illustrations that shine a light on a little-known chapter of the past… The book not only teaches young readers about a story that has been buried in history, but it also educates us on topics such as the global history of vanilla and how pollination works. This book explores an overlooked aspect of history and will leave readers impressed that someone so young could make such a monumental discovery.”
JURY MEMBERS: Jeffrey Canton, children's book reviewer, The Globe & Mail; Haneefa Corbie, Middle School Department Head, Selwyn House School; Colette Poitras, Métis librarian.
* * * *
About the Canadian Children’s Book Centre
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is a national, not‐for‐profit organization founded in 1976. We are dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for young readers. Our programs, publications, and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers.