Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) 2026 Book Award Shortlists

Books+Publishing, in partnership with the Australian Publishers Association, is pleased to share the 2026 Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) shortlists.

We’re thrilled to see Sonny & Tess by Nova Weetman, The Rot by Evelyn Araluen and Little Bones by Sandy Bigna shortlisted in their respective categories...

• Sonny & Tess by Nova Weetman, shortlisted for Book of the Year for Older Children (ages 13+)

• The Rot by Evelyn Araluen, shortlisted for Small Publishers’ Adult Book of the Year

• Little Bones by Sandy Bigna, shortlisted for Small Publishers’ Children’s Book of the Year
  

The awards are presented for achievements in bringing Australian books to readers.

Winners in each category will be announced at the ABIA Ceremony on 21 May 2026, and an overall Book of the Year Award, presented by Booktopia will be chosen from the winners of each category.

The Business Awards shortlist – including Small Publisher of the Year – will be announced next week. Stay tuned!

See what else is on the shortlists here.