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)