2026 CBCA Book of the Year - Notables

Updated March 10, 2026
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Cruel Is the Light
Clark, Sophie.
Paper Book
INSTANT #1 UK BESTSELLER * The epic young adult romantasy that caused an international sensation--a star-crossed, enemies-to-lovers saga about a war between demons and exorcists . . . and the forbidden love that could change the course of history. "Sinister magic, crackling...
Never Thought I'd End Up Here
Liang, Ann.
Paper Book
An instant New York Times bestseller! From the author of the instant New York Times bestseller I Hope This Doesn't Find You comes another hilarious and romantic romcom, this time following a former model determined to get revenge on the boy who ruined her...
Tenderly, I am devoured
Clipstone, Lyndall
Paper Book
An Indie Next Selection! * "Using lyrical prose that hums with tension and chemistry, Clipstone crafts an immersive and captivating queer gothic romance." --Publishers Weekly, starred review Perfect for fans of Saltburn, A Study in...
Unhallowed halls
Wilkinson, Lili
Paper Book
DARK ACADEMIA...WITH DEMONS. A teen girl travels to an exclusive boarding school after a deadly incident at her old school, but the wood-paneled halls of Agathion are built over centuries of secrets--including an ancient society which may have ties to demonic magic--in this dark...
The Worst Perfect Moment
Plozza, Shivaun.
Paper Book
Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, this inventive queer romance asks what it means to be truly happy. Tegan Masters is dead.    She's sixteen and she's dead and she's standing in the parking lot of the Marybelle Motor Lodge, the single most...
Chickenpox
Lai, Remy.
Paper Book
This hilarious and heartwarming contemporary middle-grade graphic novel is about eldest sister Abby, who is sick of being trapped at home with her FOUR younger siblings as they all suffer from the chickenpox--for fans of Guts and Allergic. All big sister...
Creature Clinic
Than, Gavin Aung.
Paper Book
"A hilarious mix of pharmacy and fantasy that you won't want to miss!" --John Patrick Green, bestselling author of InvestiGators Nurse, we've got a unicorn with a broken horn! Bring that healing potion--STAT! Welcome to Creature Clinic, the world's...
The Serpent Rider
Dino, Yxavel Magno.
Paper Book
In this middle grade debut inspired by Filipino folklore, a spunky, determined warrior must claim her destiny in order to save her sister, perfect for fans of Witchlings and The Owl House. Tani dreams of fulfilling her destiny as a Serpent Rider, fighting...
Derek
Donaldson, Anne
Paper Book
Derek is a fish with many questions. Why is the universe round? Where do bubbles come from? Why does food rain down from above? But the question Derek asks himself more than any other is: 'Why am I alone?' From new talent Anne Donaldson and bestselling...
Dropbear
Bunting, Philip.
Paper Book
Up there! Gray hair! Grim stare! Beware . . . Dropbear! A humorous and heartfelt picture book perfect for 2 to 5 year olds, this rhyming romp through the outback teaches preschoolers and their grown-ups that things aren't always as they seem, and that all creatures deserve the...
My Father's Arms
D'Alia, Toni.
Paper Book
My father's arms are magic. They tell me he loves me. In my father's arms is my favourite place to be. From bestselling Australian creators Toni D'Alia and Mimi Purnell comes a joyous celebration of all the tender,...

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