The shortlist for the 2026 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults has been announced, celebrating some of the most exciting new books for young readers across Aotearoa.

This year’s finalists highlight a diverse range of voices, with both emerging and well-known authors and illustrators featured. The selected titles explore themes such as identity, culture, connection and belonging, reflecting the richness of contemporary New Zealand storytelling.

A total of 30 books were chosen from 159 entries, with input from thousands of young readers from schools around the country helping to inform the judging process.

The awards recognise excellence across several categories, including picture books, junior and young adult fiction, non-fiction, illustration and te reo Māori. The winners will be announced in August.

You can explore the full shortlist and find out more on the official website:
https://www.nzbookawards.nz/new-zealand-book-award...

Many of these titles are available to borrow from Marlborough District Libraries.

Go to our catalogue to see if the titles are available.