CBCA 2026 Book of the Year: Younger Readers Shortlist Bundle

CBCA BOOK WEEK: AUGUST 22-28 2026

Theme: Symphony of Stories!

Younger Readers
Entries in this category may be fiction, drama or poetry and should be appropriate in style and content for readers from the middle to upper primary years. 7-12 years.
Note: Some of the titles in this category may only be suitable for readers who are in the upper primary years as they contain mature themes, including violence. Parental guidance is recommended.

This bundle includes the following Shortlisted Books:

• Inked - Karen Wasson, illustrated by Jake A Minton (Figment Books)
• Little Bones - Sandy Bigna (University of Queensland Press)
• The Paperbark Tree Committee - Karys McEwen (Text Publishing)
• Run - Sarah Armstrong (Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing)
• Spirit of the Crocodile - Aaron Fa’aoso & Michelle Scott Tucker with Lyn White (Allen & Unwin)
• Tim Tie-Your-Shoelaces: Something Terrible #1 - Sally Barton, illustrated by Christopher Nielsen (Walker Books Australia)