National Book Foundation announces 2026 Young People’s Literature longlist

The National Book Foundation has announced the longlist for the 2026 National Book Award in the Young People’s Literature category. Out of 290 submitted works, the selected titles span various genres, including novels in verse, nonfiction, and picture books.

Notable authors on the longlist include Elana K. Arnold and David Levithan, both of whom have been previously recognized in this category. Other featured works include ‘The Celestial Seas’ by T.A. Chan, ‘When Tomorrow Burns’ by Tae Keller, and ‘The Fight of Our Lives: AIDS in America’ by David Levithan and Gabriel Duckels.

The five finalists will be named on October 6, with the winner to be announced during the 77th awards ceremony on November 18 in New York. The judging panel is chaired by Brandy Colbert and includes Edith Campbell, Tricia Ebarvia, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, and Anne Ursu.