From short stories that “deliver deep truths” to children’s illustrated books that are as “quirky and distinctive” as their young readers, the Society of Authors’ Awards 2026 shortlists represent some of the best and most promising literary voices of the year.
They include authors from around the UK, the Commonwealth, and Ireland, who bring with them a
rich breadth of cultures, identities and experiences.
The Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize
The Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize is awarded to a UK or Irish writer, or a writer currently resident in those countries, for a novel focusing on the experience of travel away from home. In memory of Malcolm Lowry and endowed by Gordon Bowker, his biographer, and Ramdei Bowker. The winner receives £2,000 and the runner-up £750.
Judged by Soula Emmanuel, Anietie Isong and Derek Owusu.
- Use the Words You Have by Kimberly Campanello
- Ground by Jadelin Gangbo
- Theft by Abdulrazak Gurnah
- Salutation by Salma Ibrahim
- Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin
Judge Soula Emmanuel said:
’There is a wondrous world in this shortlist. Five authors have written novels whispering with life, from Somalia to Brittany, Congo-Brazzaville to Ireland and Zanzibar to Italy – with three stops in modern London.’
The Queen’s Knickers Award
Sponsored by its founder Nicholas Allan, the Queen’s Knickers Award is an annual prize for an outstanding children’s original illustrated book for ages 0-7. It recognises books that strike a quirky, new note and grab the attention of a child, whether in the form of curiosity, amusement, horror or excitement. The winner receives £5,000, as well as a golden Queen’s Knickers badge, as depicted in Nicholas Allan’s original book. The runner-up receives £1,000 and a silvered badge.
Judged by Ella McLeod, Jasmine Richards and Harry Woodgate.
- The Princess and the Pea by Peter Bently (author) and Claire Powell (illustrator)
- The Tour at School by Katie Clapham (author) and Nadia Shireen (illustrator)
- We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang
- Ava and the Acorn by Lu Fraser (author) and Paddy Donnelly (illustrator)
- Bessie’s Bees by George Kirk (author) and Ana Gomez (illustrator)
- Boobies by Nancy Vo
Judge Jasmine Richards said:
‘The shortlisted books all have something in common – they trust the reader to handle some big ideas and yet they deliver those ideas lightly and deftly. This shortlist made for a long and passionate debate because we connected to so many of the books but ultimately we were looking for the stories that we believe children would want to return to time and time again. We chose books that are just as quirky and distinctive as the readers they will delight.’
Winner announcement
The winners will be announced on Wednesday 18 June at Southwark The winners will be announced at the Society of Authors Awards at Southwark Cathedral on Thursday 18 June, alongside the winners of the Cholmondeley Awards, Eric Gregory Awards, Somerset Maugham Awards and Travelling Scholarships. Winners and runners-up will share a prize fund of more than £130,000.
Author, actor and activist Cerrie Burnell is delivering the keynote speech at the event and writer, librettist and composer Helen Epega will be hosting.
Tickets to the in-person event can be purchased here. The event will also be livestreamed.
Get involved
What do you think of the 2026 shortlisted titles? Which have you read and what will be added to your TBR pile? Add your comments below, or click any title above to leave a review.
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