The NZ Booklovers Awards have announced their 2026 shortlist. This New Zealand book award offers awards for Best Adult Novel and Best Lifestyle Book, plus three categories for younger readers. Here are the shortlisted titles for younger readers:

YOUNG ADULTS

Bear by Kiri Lightfoot (published in US in June 2026)

It’s a Bit More Complicated Than That by Hannah Marshall

Kings of this World by Elizabeth Knox

The Lost Saint by Rachael Craw (available in US)

The People I Know Now by Jasmine Donaldson

JUNIOR FICTION

Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town by Li Chen (available in US)

Dragonfall: The Fate of Dragons by Sarina Clark & Alba Gil Celdrán (publishing in US in September 2026)

Dreamslinger by Graci Kim (available in US)

The Last Journey by Stacy Gregg

The Secret Green by Sonya Wilson

Violet and the Velvets: The Case of the Missing Stuff by Rachael King

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK

Anahera: The Mighty Kiwi Māmā by Ruth Paul

Granny McFlitter Stitches up a Storm by Heather Haylock and Lael Chisholm

Mum’s Busy Work by Jacinda Ardern

Pukapuka by Vasanti Unka, Te Reo Māori translations by Justin Kereama

Taniwha by Gavin Bishop

Te Ngahere i te Pō /The Forest at Night by Kiri Lightfoot and Pippa Keel Situ

The Tractor with the Wobbly Wheel by Tim Saunders (publishing in US in August 2026)