The shortlists for the 2025-2026 First Nation Communities READ have been announced. The awards are given for the best Indigenous literature from Canada and voted on by First Nation librarians from Ontario. The awards will be given during First Nation Public Library Week (October 6-10).

Here are the shortlists:

CHILDREN’S

The Animal People Choose a Leader by Richard Wagamese, illustrated by Bridget George

Bannock in a Hammock by Masiana Kelly

Boozhoo!/Hello! by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, translated by Mary Ann Corbiere

Dad, I Miss You by Nadia Sammurtok

Hummingbird/Aamo-binashee by Jennifer Leason, translated by Norman Chartrand

YOUNG ADULT/ADULT CATEGORY

The Baby Train by Stella Shepard

Little Moons by Jen Storm

Lost at Windy River by Trina Rathgeber

Medicine Wheel for the Planet by Dr. Jennifer Grenz

Who We Are: Four Questions for a Life and Nation by the Honourable Murray Sinclair