Here’s the longlist for the 2026 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.
Today, the National Book Foundation announced the longlist for the 2026 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. These ten titles were selected from a pool of 290 books submitted for consideration by their publishers.
The National Book Foundation revealed the longlist for the 2026 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature on September 15, 2026. This list includes ten books selected from 290 submissions by publishers. The National Book Award is a prestigious literary prize in the United States, recognizing outstanding works in various categories, including young people’s literature. The Young People’s Literature category focuses on books aimed at readers aged 10 to 18, though some titles may appeal to older or younger audiences. The longlist serves as a preliminary selection, narrowing down the field before finalists and winners are announced. The judges for this year’s category are Edith Campbell, Brandy Colbert (Chair), Tricia Ebarvia, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, and Anne Ursu, who will evaluate the books based on literary merit.
The timeline for the 2026 National Book Award process is structured in phases. The longlist, announced on September 15, 2026, includes ten books. The finalists will be revealed on October 6, 2026, reducing the selection to a smaller group of contenders. The winners will be announced at the 77th National Book Awards Ceremony, scheduled for November 18, 2026. This timeline allows judges time to review the books thoroughly and ensures a transparent selection process. The ceremony is a significant event in the literary calendar, celebrating the best in American literature and drawing attention to the winning authors and their works.
The 2026 longlist features a diverse range of ten books, each representing different themes and styles. For example, The Free Verse Society by Delali Adjoa explores themes of creativity and self-expression, while Holloway by Elana K. Arnold delves into personal and emotional struggles. The Celestial Seas by T. A. Chan combines elements of fantasy and adventure, and When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller addresses themes of resilience and hope. Other notable titles include That Which Feeds Us: A Hawaiian Gothic by Keala Kendall, which blends cultural and supernatural elements, and The Fight of Our Lives: AIDS in America by David Levithan and Gabriel Duckels, a nonfiction work examining a significant historical health crisis. Each book brings a unique perspective to young adult literature.
The longlist includes authors from various backgrounds and publishers of different sizes. For instance, Clothes to Make You Smile: Patrick Kelly Designs His Dreams by Eric Darnell Pritchard and Shannon Wright is published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, part of Abrams, a well-known independent publisher. Shook by Julian Randall is published by Henry Holt and Company, a division of Macmillan Publishers, a major publishing house. The inclusion of both independent and large publishers highlights the broad range of voices and stories being recognized in young adult literature. This diversity ensures that readers have access to a wide array of narratives and perspectives.
The National Book Award for Young People’s Literature aims to celebrate and promote excellence in literature for young readers. It recognizes books that not only entertain but also challenge, inspire, and reflect the experiences of young people. The award helps to elevate the visibility of these works, encouraging more readers to engage with them. It also provides authors with recognition and opportunities for their careers. The award’s longlist and finalists serve as a guide for readers, librarians, and educators seeking high-quality literature for young audiences. By highlighting these books, the award contributes to the broader cultural conversation about the role of literature in shaping young minds.
