The 2026 Barnes & Noble Children's & YA Book Awards Shortlists

Our Children’s & YA Book Awards celebrate storytelling, creativity and imagination. Every year, Barnes & Noble booksellers from across the country vote for their favorite new releases.  After much debate, deliberation, reading and re-reading, we are delighted to present the sixth annual Children’s & YA Book Award shortlists. Explore these picture books, stories for young readers and YA novels that will inspire the next generation of readers.  

 

Picture Book Shortlist 

Notes From Your Bookseller

Bartleby does things on his own time, in his own way. He’s here to teach little ones how to stay true to themselves in this adorable book featuring a dapper, polite little bear with extraordinary ideas.

Notes From Your Bookseller

This sweet and touching story about emotions follows a little girl who learns about forgiveness after accidentally breaking her ama’s favorite cup. Warm, tender and informative, little ones will learn the power of honesty and communication in this gorgeous picture book.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

When Hogbert finds himself lost in the woods, far from the rest of his family, what is he to do? The little boar must find his way home in this gorgeously illustrated tale of kindness and independence.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

You can find friends in the wildest places! A young child chats with a gorilla for a silly and sweet story about connection and making new friends.

 

Young Readers Shortlist

Notes From Your Bookseller

Bunns is a brave rabbit who was born with small ears and a big heart. She sets out on an unexpected quest to save her family in this gorgeous celebration of courage, dreams and being different.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

Enter a secret world of dragons and meet a young girl on a quest to find her true self. Perfect for fans of Impossible Creatures, Alex Evans is about to learn what it truly means to soar in a world of hidden powers and mysterious places.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

Have you ever wanted to jump right inside a book? Mayowa can do just that. But not everyone uses their book jumping power for good. Embark on an adventure unlike any other in this unforgettable tale of courage.

Notes From Your Bookseller

A resourceful young pickpocket named Tom is invited to a prestigious boarding school of thievery and tricks in the snowy Alps. But nothing is as it seems in the Shadow League as Tom races to uncover its dark secrets in this edge-of-your-seat adventure.

 

Young Adult Shortlist

Notes From Your Bookseller

Two students at Green Bank High School communicate through an old textbook using notes, drawings and secrets to bring them together for a heartfelt story of connection and self-discovery.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

The Playhouse Players are granted immortality and worshipped (and feared) by others. Eighteen-year-old Riven, cursed by a Player, strikes a deal to save herself from succumbing to a curse in this dark fantasy.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

In a world of Hunters and Wielders, Alissa Paine knows how to keep out of trouble. But when debutante season begins in the Kingdom of Daradon, Alissa doesn't know which mysterious suitor she can trust with her dangerous secret in this gripping romance filled with twists and tension.

 

Notes From Your Bookseller

The woods of Foxfire are full of magic and mystery…but don’t forget to follow the rules. A brave young witch-in-training must harness her power to break a dangerous curse and save her town from a lurking monster in this exhilarating adventure.