Children's Book of the Year: Older Fiction

This category rewards the entry that demonstrates the highest standards of storytelling, captivating nine to 12-year-old readers from start to finish with a well-crafted plot, exceptional writing, and diverse and engaging

Shortlist 2026

Flember: The Golden Heart

Author & illustrator Jamie Smart

David Fickling Books

Jed Greenleaf

Kieran Larwood

Illustrator - David Wyatt

Faber & Faber

My Soul, A Shining Tree

Jamila Gavin

Farshore

The Boy With Big Decisions

Helen Rutter

Scholastic

The First Year

Matt Goodfellow

Illustrator - Joe Todd-Stanton

Otter-Barry Books

The Lone Husky

Hannah Gold

Illustrator - Levi Pinfold

HarperCollins Children's Books