The Carnegies, the UK’s longest‑running and best‑loved book awards for children and young people, have announced their 2026 shortlists for writing and illustration.
Identity is a strong theme across both awards, explored through family, class, relationships, journeys and nature. Retellings, folklore, history and a welcome collection of funny books also feature.
This years winners are.
Carnegie Medal for Writing & Shadowers’ Choice Award for Writing:
Wolf Siren by Beth O’Brien
Carnegie Award for Illustration:
Wiggling Words illustrated by Kate Rolfe
Shadowers’ Choice Award for Illustration:
Lord of the Flies: The Graphic Novel illustrated & adapted by Aimée de Jongh, written by William Golding