UQP Authors Shortlisted for the 2026 Queensland Literary Awards

Congratulations to the below authors who have been shortlisted in the 2026 Queensland Literary Awards:

Queensland Premier's Award for Work of State Significance

• Not Quite White in the Head by Melissa Lucashenko

Judges' comments:

In Not Quite White in Head, acclaimed writer Melissa Lucashenko brings together a remarkable collection of diverse and thought-provoking essays for the first time. Written over two decades, with characteristic passion and insight, the essays engage powerfully with matters of politics, justice, and everyday life, challenging us to think in new ways about Queensland and the world. Not Quite White in the Head is a fine achievement, the kind we have come to expect from Melissa Lucashenko.

Children's Book Award

• Myra in the Middle by Seetha Dodd and illustrated by Peter Cheong

Judges' comments:

Myra is an endearing character and longs to be something other than the middle child in her family. This clever story interweaves many devices to interact with the reader – from mathematical equations to tables to problem solving. It is an innovative and engaging read for junior readers wanting to find themselves too, and aims to be a beacon of representation by not shying away from issues that will be relatable to readers from diverse backgrounds. The artwork is stunning and helps bring Myra’s world to life.

The Lord Mayor of Brisbane's People's Choice Queensland Book of the Year Award

• Two Islands by Ian Kemish

The shortlisted works reflect the breadth and depth of Australian storytelling, exploring history, identity, family, culture, belonging and the people and places that shape our lives.

QLA Director Jackie Ryan said:

"From established hits and heroes to indie breakthroughs and across multiple
genres and age groups, this is both a testament to the brilliance of our literary firmament and a timely prompt to get a bigger bookshelf."

Voting for the People's Choice Award is now open here.

The winners will be announced at the Queensland Literary Awards ceremony on Thursday 8 October at
Brisbane Powerhouse as part of Brisbane Writers Festival. Tickets to the events will be available from Wednesday 5 August via the Brisbane Writers Festival website.

Congratulations once again to our shortlisted authors.