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...
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...

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