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

The 2026 Barnes & Noble Children's & YA Book Awards celebrate the best in children’s literature written by emerging writers. We are delighted to share this year’s winners, which showcase the brightest in fiction that will inspire the next generation of readers.

 

Overall Winner 

 

Notes From Your Bookseller 

Our overall 2026 B&N Children's & YA Book Awards winner is Peter Burns’ The School of Thieves, an edge-of-your-seat adventure. 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 and save his new friends.

 

Young Adult Winner

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.

 

 

Picture Book Winner

Notes From Your Bookseller 

Our 2026 Picture Book winner is X Fang’s Broken, a touching story about honesty and forgiveness. Warm, tender and informative, little ones will learn the power of honesty and communication in this gorgeous picture book.

 

 

Explore the shortlist here.