Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy

The Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy (2022-2025) recognized excellence in Canadian children’s speculative fiction. Inspired by her sister’s love of the fantasy and science fiction genre of books and film, Canadian children’s book advocate Elly Barlin-Daniels sponsored the annual $5,000 prize in memory of Arlene who passed from breast cancer in 2018. The final prize was presented in 2025.

Past Winners and Finalists

  • The Headmasters
    The Headmasters
    Written by Mark Morton
    Shadowpaw Press, 2024
    Winner
  • Fledgling
    Fledgling
    Written by S.K. Ali
    Kokila, 2024
    Finalist
  • Lockjaw
    Lockjaw
    Written by Matteo L. Cerilli
    Tundra Books, 2024
    Finalist
  • Waking the Dead and Other Fun Activities
    Waking the Dead and Other Fun Activities
    Written by Casey Lyall
    Greenwillow Books, 2024
    Finalist
  • Where the Dark Stands Still
    Where the Dark Stands Still
    Written by A.B. Poranek
    Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2024
    Finalist
  • Bonesmith (House of the Dead Duology, Book 1)
    2024
    Bonesmith (House of the Dead Duology, Book 1)
    Written by Nicki Pau Preto
    Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2023
    Winner
  • The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale
    2024
    The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale
    Written by Heather Smith
    Orca Book Publishers, 2023
    Finalist
  • City of Nightmares (City of Nightmares Duology, Book 1)
    2024
    City of Nightmares (City of Nightmares Duology, Book 1)
    Written by Rebecca Schaeffer
    Clarion Books, 2023
    Finalist
  • Nightbreaker (Nightbreaker, Book 1)
    2024
    Nightbreaker (Nightbreaker, Book 1)
    Written by Coco Ma
    Viking Books for Young Readers, 2023
    Finalist
  • The Stars of Mount Quixx (The Brindlewatch Quintet, Book 1)
    2024
    The Stars of Mount Quixx (The Brindlewatch Quintet, Book 1)
    Written by S.M. Beiko
    ECW Press
    Finalist
  • Blood Scion
    2023
    Blood Scion
    Written by Deborah Falaye
    HarperTeen, 2022
    Winner
  • Ghostlight
    2023
    Ghostlight
    Written by Kenneth Oppel
    Puffin Canada, 2022
    Finalist
  • The Limitless Sky
    2023
    The Limitless Sky
    Written by Christina Kilbourne
    Dundurn Press, 2022
    Finalist
  • A Magic Steeped in Poison
    2023
    A Magic Steeped in Poison
    (The Book of Tea, Book 1) - Written by Judy I. Lin
    Feiwel and Friends, 2022
    Finalist
  • Sneaks
    2023
    Sneaks
    Written by Catherine Egan
    Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2022
    Finalist
  • Iron Widow
    2022
    Iron Widow
    Written by - - Xiran Jay Zhao
    Penguin Teen Canada, 2021
    Winner
  • Blood Like Magic
    2022
    Blood Like Magic
    Written by Liselle Sambury
    Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2021
    Finalist
  • Hunting By Stars: A Marrow Thieves Novel
    2022
    Hunting By Stars: A Marrow Thieves Novel
    Written by Cherie Dimaline
    Penguin Teen Canada, 2021
    Finalist
  • Sisters of the Snake
    2022
    Sisters of the Snake
    Written by Sarena Nanua and Sasha Nanua
    HarperTeen, 2021
    Finalist
  • Spell Sweeper
    2022
    Spell Sweeper
    Written by Lee Edward Födi
    HarperCollins Publishers, 2021
    Finalist