The Society of Authors announced the winners for their awards including the Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize and the Queen’s Knickers Award.
The winners of this year’s Society of Authors’ Awards were revealed 18 June, with a
number of talented young writers returning from previous years’ ceremonies. Find out about the full awards list here.
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. Judged by Soula Emmanuel, Anietie Isong and Derek Owusu.
The 2026 Gordon Bowker Volcano Prize winner is Salma Ibrahim for Salutation Road.
Judge Soula Emmanuel said:
‘Salutation Road is a heartfelt and surprising exploration of migrant contradictions. It tells the story of Sirad Ali, a young Somali woman in London with a constrained life and a heavy history. She yearns for a sense of truth and belonging which seems to elude her, until a magic London bus takes her to Mogadishu, and the life she might have led. Salma Ibrahim has written a refreshing and ambitious take on the timeless immigrant questions of dislocation, guilt and hope. This novel is tangled and it is beautiful.’
This year’s runner-up is Ground by Jadelin Gangbo.
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. Judged by Ella McLeod, Jasmine Richards and Harry Woodgate.
The 2026 Queen’s Knickers Award winner is X. Fang for We Are Definitely Human.
Judge Jasmine Richards said:
‘X Fang pulls off one of the hardest things in a children’s book – a story that is properly funny and a story that is properly moving. I love that it centres kindness as a choice. I love that no one, not Mr and Mrs Li, the townspeople nor the dog are fooled by the aliens. This is a book that explores what it means to meet those that are different to us and how such meetings can enrich our lives. This book looked like nothing else on the list – its use of darkness and neon brights felt so refreshing and, yes, different, and yes I felt enriched by it. I think children and the adults in their lives will love it. Beautifully drawn and beautifully executed. Definitely… our winner.’
This year’s runner-up is The Tour at School by Katie Clapham and illustrator Nadia Shireen.
Get involved
What do you think of the 2026 winning 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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