Seven books have been shortlisted for the 2026 ACT Book of the Year Award, recognising some of the Territory’s most talented authors and celebrating the outstanding literary work being produced right here in Canberra.
The Award is the Territory’s premier literary award, recognising excellence in contemporary writing and playing an important role in fostering a strong writing culture in the ACT.
The 2026 ACT Book of the Year shortlist is:
- Little Bones by Sandy Bigna, a tender and poetic work that explores loss with enduring resonance
- In the Name of the Trees by Merlinda Bobis, a richly layered and deeply moving novel exploring memory, heritage and resilience
- Playtime: A History of Australian Childhood by Emily Gallagher, an insightful exploration of Australian history through the lens of childhood
- Fire in the Head by Daniel Oakman, a powerful novel examining trauma, resilience and justice
- Clever Men by Martin Thomas, a masterfully written act of truth-telling that challenges established narratives
- The Chosen Vessel by Dylan Van Den Berg, a bold First Nations play that reimagines a classic Australian story
- When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin, an ambitious historical novel exploring identity, resilience and survival.
Minister for Arts, Creative Industries and the Night-Time Economy, Michael Pettersson congratulated the shortlisted authors.
“Canberra’s literary scene is well established and punches well above its weight. We have fantastic authors living here who write incredible books, many of which have been shortlisted for – or won – nationally significant literary prizes,” Minister Pettersson said.
“From fiction, to history to theatre, the ACT Book of the Year awards showcase the breadth and quality of Canberra writers.”
“I applaud all those who submitted a manuscript.
“Congratulations to our shortlisted authors. I look forward to announcing the winner as part of this year’s Canberra Writers Festival.”
“Let this be a reminder to everyone in our community to try reading something local.”
The shortlisted works were selected by an independent judging panel with expertise in writing, editing, publishing and literature.
The ACT Book of the Year Award supports ACT-based writers, promotes excellence in contemporary literature and contributes to a strong local writing culture.
The Award recognises outstanding fiction, non-fiction and poetry published in the previous calendar year by authors who live in the ACT or can demonstrate a strong ACT-based arts practice. Eligible books are assessed by an independent judging panel with expertise in writing, editing, publishing and literature.
The $10,000 prize and winner of the 2026 ACT Book of the Year Award will be announced at a special event as part of the Canberra Writers Festival at the National Library of Australia on Friday, 16 October 2026. Tickets are available through the Canberra Writers Festival website.
