Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction

The Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction honours excellence in Canadian children’s non-fiction books for grades 4-12 (ages 8-18).

The celebration of diversity is an equally significant element to achieving excellence. A work of excellence in Canadian children’s literature should also be successful in helping people understand and appreciate diversity in their communities and the world around them.

Submissions will open in January 2026.

Past Winners and Finalists

  • Meet Jim Egan
    Meet Jim Egan
    Written by Elizabeth MacLeod, illustrated by Mike Deas
    Scholastic Canada, 2024
    Winner
  • All Consuming: Shop Smarter for the Planet
    All Consuming: Shop Smarter for the Planet
    Written by Erin Silver, illustrated by Suharu Ogawa
    Orca Book Publishers, 2024
    Finalist
  • The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey
    The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey
    Written by Chad Soon and George Chiang, illustrated by Amy Qi
    Orca Book Publishers, 2024
    Finalist
  • Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival
    Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival
    Written by Trina Rathgeber, illustrated by Alina Pete, coloured by Jillian Dolan
    Orca Book Publishers, 2024
    Finalist
  • Cover image of You Can Be an Activist. You Can Be an Activist: How to Use Your Strengths & Passions to Make a Difference
    Cover image of You Can Be an Activist. You Can Be an Activist: How to Use Your Strengths & Passions to Make a Difference
    Written by Charlene Rocha and Mary Beth Leatherdale, illustrated by Drew Shannon
    Kids Can Press, 2024
    Finalist