Jean Little First-Novel Award

Established in 2021, the Jean Little First-Novel Award is intended to recognize the achievements of a first-time Canadian children’s middle-grade novelist. For the purposes of this award, “middles grades” are defined as typically grades 3-7/ages 8-12. The biennial award carries a cash prize of $5,000.

After the beloved Jean Little died in April 2020, Sarah Ellis, Kit Pearson and Maggie de Vries came up with the idea of establishing an award in Jean’s name.

“We decided that the most appropriate honour would be a prize for a Canadian middle-grade novel by a first-time writer. Much of Jean’s writing was for the middle grades, and Jean was always an enthusiastic supporter of beginning writers. This award would honour her long and successful career and encourage the next generation of writers following in her footsteps.”

To contribute to the Jean Little First-Novel Award fund, click here.

Eligibility, Guidelines & Fees

Updated: January 2026

Criteria

The Jean Little First-Novel Award honours excellence in middle-grade fiction by first-time Canadian authors.

In identifying the achievements of a first-time Canadian children’s novelist, each judge shall consider the following criteria for excellence:

• Quality of the text or storyline.
• Interpretation of the theme or concept. Presentation of information including accuracy, clarity and organization.
• Appropriateness of style and presentation. Books should have distinguished qualities in all of the elements pertinent to them, such as interpretation of theme and concept.
• Books need to be self-contained and not dependent on other media for their enjoyment.
• Elements of the story that draw upon or are inspired by real cultures, folklore and history should be done respectfully and authentically.
• Books should have been written for a child audience and should achieve excellence of presentation.
• Each book is to be considered as a contribution to literature.
• The award is for the book. The award will go to the author unless 40% or more of the text area is composed of original illustrations, in which case the award will be divided equally between author and illustrator.
• If the winning title is a translated work, the prize will be split 70% to the author and 30% to the translator. In the case of illustrated works, where 40% or more of the text area is made up of original illustrations, the prize would be equally split between the author and illustrator; the author will retain 70% of their portion with 30% being awarded to the translator.

Eligibility Requirements

• Books must be written by first-time authors of novels for a middle-grade reading audience. Only authors who have not previously published a book are eligible for consideration. In the event of co-creatorship (i.e., either co-authors or a graphic novel whereby the illustrator has published before), at least one of the authors must be a first-time author.  
• Books must be published during the previous two calendar years. Because this is a biennial award, the publication date timeframe is two years.
• Books may be published in Canada or abroad.
• Books must be first foreign or first Canadian editions. New editions or re-issues of previously published titles are not eligible for submission.
• For the purposes of this award, “middles grades” are defined as typically Grades 3-7/Ages 8-12.
• Author and illustrator (in the case of graphic novels) must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada (minimum two-year residency).
• No posthumous submissions.
• Books must be in English.
• Translations are eligible, provided the translator is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada (minimum two-year residency).
• Graphic novels are eligible. If a graphic novel wins, the author and illustrator will share the award.
• Picture books are not eligible.
• Stories must be original: while stories inspired by classic works such as fairy tales are permissible, retellings of original stories are not.
• Works containing AI-authored content, in part or in whole, or AI-generated illustrations, are not eligible for submission. Use of AI for research, minor editorial, or formatting support may be permitted. If a work is found to include ineligible AI-generated content after submission, it will be disqualified at the submitter’s expense. Submission fees will not be refunded and submitted materials will not be returned.
• The award is only for books in the printed format, as distinct from digital (i.e., ebooks) and audio-visual formats.
• Books in manuscript form are not eligible.
• All books must have an ISBN and be distributed in Canada.
• Self-published books are eligible for submission provided they have a valid ISBN.