The State Library of Western Australia proudly presents the 2026 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards Shortlist. Fantastical worlds, grim underbellies and stories of place and identity make up this year’s shortlist, which reflects the richness and complexity of Western Australian storytelling.
More than 30 published authors have been recognised across six categories, including past winners and finalists, recipients of national awards and new, emerging voices.
The shortlisted books are available from Western Australian public libraries, booksellers and the Libby reading app, free with your State Library or public library membership.
Judges
Reflecting the depth and diversity of contemporary storytelling, this year’s judging panel brings together writers, industry professionals, students and keen readers from across Australia.
Head Chair Gerard McCann, Sian Baker, Sienna Dale, Michael Elwan, Anwen Handmer, Toby Halsey, Meg McKinlay, Marija Peričić, Alia Parker, Paris Rosemont, Oliver Scott, Thomas Schneider, Caitlyn Stone, Eleanor Stuart, Samantha Thorley, Cindy Solonec, Jo-Ann Lim, Brendan Kirwin, Robert Wood, Milla Whaley and students from Mount Barker Community College.
Stories from the West
In the lead up to the Awards, the State Library will host Stories from the West, a one-day literary festival on Saturday 8 August 2026, featuring vibrant panel conversations, live experiences, book giveaways and a chance to meet the shortlisted authors. Join us for the whole day or choose your favourite event.
Shortlist
Fiction Book of the Year
- Chance and Necessity: A Novel of Narrogin and Williams by Rosanne Dingli
- When She Was Gone by Sara Foster
- King of Dirt by Holden Sheppard
- I Am Nannertgarrook by Tasma Walton
- O’Keefe by David Whish-Wilson
Non-Fiction Book of the Year
- My FIGHT with PD: A Neurologist with Parkinson's Disease by David Blacker
- No Time for Makeup: The Life of a Flying Doctor and Paediatrician by Dr Elizabeth Green
- How Not to Become a Grumpy Old Bugger: A Bloke's Guide to Living a Better Life by Geoff Hutchinson
- The Shameful Isles: The True Story of North-West Australia's Fatal Experiment with Medical Apartheid by David Price
- Tjukurrpa Kurranyu. Tjukurrpa in the Front: The Yarnangu foundation for joint management in the Pila Nature Reserve by Jan Turner and Lizzie Marrkilyi Giles Ellis
Emerging Writer of the Year
- CryBaby by Mabel Gibson
- Nock Loose by Patrick Marlborough
- The Montegiallo School of Swearing by Andrew HC McDonald
- Inner Demons by Stephen B. Platt
- Geraldine by Andrea Thompson
Children's Book of the Year
- Creature Clinic by Gavin Aung Than
- Everglade 1: Rise of the Witch by Kitty Black
- Bigfoot vs Yeti by James Foley
- One Day by Shirley Marr and Michael Speechley
- The Surface Trials by H.M. Waugh
Young Adult Book of the Year
- Made of Steam and Stardust by Bianca Breen
- A New World Rises: Tales of a LEGO® Future by Cristy Burne, Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler
- A Murder is Going Down by Kate Emery
- Trapped! by Julia Lawrinson
- The Dreams of Summer Dartson by Peter Purchase
Poetry Book of the Year
- Gold Digger by Lisa Collyer
- The Twilight Observatory by Jennifer Kornberger
- The Hum Hearers by Shey Marque
- Past & Parallel Lives by Kaya Ortiz
Daisy Utemorrah Award for Unpublished Indigenous Junior and YA Fiction
The Daisy Utemorrah Award for Unpublished Indigenous Junior and YA Fiction is administered and funded by Magabala Books, and will be announced soon.
Book of the Year
The 2026 Western Australian Book of the Year will be chosen from the individual category winners.
The 2026 Premier’s Book Awards winners will be announced in September and share in a prize pool of $120,000.
Congratulations to all the shortlisted authors!
Discover more
Libby is the mobile app to access the OverDrive collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines titles available to Western Australian Public Libraries.
