2026 Governor General's Literary Awards Nominees Announced

The finalists span seven categories and include works in both English and French. Here are seven standout books among the nominees:

**Good Guys by Sharon Bala (McClelland & Stewart)** — Fiction Finalist

Described as a “thought-provoking exploration of power, philanthropy, and the lengths we go to for redemption,” this novel follows Claire Talbot, a burnt-out publicist at an international aid charity facing the organization’s complicity in harmful actions. Bala, originally from St. John's, is an author to watch following her acclaimed debut, The Boat People.

**The World After Rain: Anne’s Poem by Canisia Lubrin (McClelland & Stewart)** — Poetry Finalist

This work is an elegy to Lubrin’s mother, exploring grief in a long poem format. Lubrin is recognized for her previous achievements, including the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction for her novel Code Noir and the 2021 Griffin Poetry Prize for The Dyzgraphxst.

**Salesman in China by Leanna Brodie and Jovanni Sy (Playwrights Canada Press)** — Drama Finalist

Set in Beijing in 1983, this play draws on the true story of theatrical figures Ying Ruocheng and Arthur Miller as they navigate cultural divides during the Mandarin translation of Miller’s Death of a Salesman. The narrative highlights the ability of art to transcend borders while influencing political relations and theatrical expression.

**Black Bear: A Story of Siblinghood and Survival by Trina Moyles (Knopf Canada)** — Nonfiction Finalist

Moyles, based in Whitehorse, reflects on her coexistence with bears and her experience of sibling loss in this memoir. The book is inspired by her childhood encounter with an orphaned black bear cub, which ignited her fascination with the species. Publishers Weekly describes it as a “down-to-earth memoir” that resonates deeply.

**Seabird by Michelle Kadarusman (Pajama Press)** — Young People’s Literature, Text Finalist

Targeted at children ages eight to twelve, this historical fiction novel follows Kartini, a girl from Dutch-colonized Indonesia. Amid forced isolation, Kartini writes letters to a former classmate and discovers interests in feminism and education for Javanese women and girls.

**Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsythe (Simon & Schuster Canada)** — Young People’s Literature, Illustrated Books Finalist

In this illustrated book, Aggie learns her new home is haunted by a ghost. As they negotiate living together against a backdrop of rain-drenched visuals, the story explores themes of cohabitation and discovery.

**All Kidding Aside by Neil Smith (Baraka Books)** — Translation Finalist

Originally penned in French by Quebec author Jean-Christophe Réhel, this novel follows Louis, a queer man in Montreal who dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian while working at Tim Hortons. The book is noted for its blend of humor and drama, and Smith’s translation captures its essence effectively.

The winners of the 2026 Governor General’s Literary Awards will be announced on November 12, 2026.