Day: January 16, 2026

2026 Indie Book Awards Shortlists

| Tasha

The shortlists for the 2026 Australian Indie Book Awards have been announced. The awards celebrate the finest of Australian writing and are nominated and judged by indie booksellers. The awards are given in several categories, including children’s and young adult. Below are the shortlisted titles for those two categories. Click here to see the entire list of shortlisted titles.

CHILDREN’S

Harry and Gran Bake a Cake by Fiona McIntosh, illustrated by Sara Acton

Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend (available in US)

There’s a Prawn in Parliament House: The Kids’ Guide to Australia’s Amazing Democracy by Annabel Crabb, illustrated by First Dog on the Moon

YOUNG ADULT

Drift by Pip Harry

Eleanor Jones Is Playing with Fire by Amy Doak

The Foal in the Wire by Robbie Coburn

Wandering Wild by Lynette Noni (available in US)

Wake Your Friday Brain Cells – January 16 Edition

| Tasha

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Kadir Nelson on (and off) the court – BookPage

Many schools don’t think students can read full novels any more. That’s a tragedy – The Guardian

These Picture Books Are Ready for Their Close-Up – The New York Times

LIBRARIES

Sioux Center Library Pauses New Card Procedure Amid State Accreditation Concerns – KIWA

Trump’s return chills embattled LGBTQ book industry: ‘They’re stepping back’ – The Hill

TEEN LIT

9 of the Best YA Romance Authors – Book Riot

All the New Young Adult Books Arriving in January 2026 – Reactor

‘Spicy’ Books Like ‘Heated Rivalry’ Are Everywhere. Your Teen Might Want To Read Them. – HuffPost

Take Five: January 2026 YA and MG Graphic Novels – Teen Librarian Toolbox