The City of Toronto and Toronto Public Library are pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2026 Toronto Book Awards, recognizing authors whose works capture the spirit, history, people and places of Toronto.
The 2026 shortlist includes:
The winner will be revealed at an awards ceremony at the Toronto Reference Library on Tuesday, November 10. The shortlisted authors will each receive $2,000, with the winning author receiving a $20,000 prize.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the ceremony by reserving a free ticket via the Toronto Public Library’s Eventbrite.
About the Toronto Book Awards
The Toronto Book Awards honour authors whose books are inspired by the city. Established in 1974, the awards celebrate literary excellence and recognize works that deepen understanding of Toronto’s people, places, histories and diverse communities.
This year’s jury brings together an accomplished group of award-winning writers, publishing professionals, educators and literary advocates from across Toronto’s literary community, including author and poet Jake Byrne, novelist and non-fiction writer Kristen den Hartog, literary agent Julia Kim, educator, anti-racism advocate and writer Matthew R. Morris and poet, translator and curator Bänoo Zan.
The Toronto Book Awards are one of the many ways the City supports creativity and the arts through Culture Connects, the City’s 10-year action plan for culture. By recognizing and investing in authors whose work is inspired by Toronto, the awards elevate local voices, support literary excellence and help readers discover stories that reflect the city’s communities, histories and experiences.
More information about the award is available on the City’s Toronto Book Awards webpage.
Readers can explore and borrow shortlisted titles through Toronto Public Library’s curated Toronto Book Awards shortlist 2026 collection.
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.