The finalists of the 2026 Governor General’s Literary Awards were announced on October 28 by the Canada Council for the Arts. A celebration of literature created by writers, translators, and illustrators from Canada, the awards offer an opportunity to engage with the writing that shapes our literary landscape and also discover new favourites from established and up-and-coming authors.
Continuing the awards’ 90-year history, director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts Michelle Chawla notes that “This year’s finalists reflect the richness of Canadian storytelling and the vital role that literature plays in helping us understand each other, explore new perspectives, and connect with the world around us.”
While the full list of finalists features literary works spanning seven categories and two languages, here are seven books to start your journey across Canadian literature with.
Good Guys by Sharon Bala (McClelland & Stewart)
Described as “a thought-provoking exploration of power, philanthropy, and the lengths we go to for redemption,” Good Guys by Sharon Bala follows Claire Talbot, a burnt-out publicist working at an international aid charity. While trying to save the organization from the brink of bankruptcy, Claire is met with the reality of the charity’s complicity in harming those it originally sought to save. Following her award-winning debut novel The Boat People, the St. John’s-based author is certainly one to watch.
The World After Rain: Anne’s Poem by Canisia Lubrin (McClelland & Stewart)
With accolades including the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction for her novel Code Noir and the 2021 Griffin Poetry Prize for her poetry collection, The Dyzgraphxst, Canisia Lubrin’s latest work is now a finalist in the Governor General’s Literary Awards’ poetry category. Presented as a long poem, The World After Rainis an elegy to the author’s mother Anne, written as an exploration of grief that is at once “tender and searing.”
Salesman in China by Leanna Brodie and Jovanni Sy (Playwrights Canada Press)
Salesman in China by Leanna Brodie and Jovanni Sy explores whether art can bridge cultural division. Set in Beijing, 1983, the play is inspired by the true story of theatrical icons Ying Ruocheng and Arthur Miller. Through Ying’s Mandarin translation of Miller’s Death of a Salesman, the two artists must overcome professional, personal, and cultural differences. Together, their collaboration advances political relations, alters the trajectory of Chinese theatrical expression, and ultimately demonstrates art’s ability to transcend borders.
Black Bear: A Story of Siblinghood and Survivalby Trina Moyles (Knopf Canada)
From Whitehorse-based author and journalist Trina Moyles, Black Bearexamines the writer’s coexistence with bears while contemplating her experience of sibling loss. Inspired by an experience at five years old, when her wildlife biologist father brought home an orphaned black bear cub, Moyles credits this encounter with sparking her lifelong fascination with the species. Described by Publishers Weeklyas a “down-to-earth memoir,” Moyles’s latest work “goes straight to the heart.”
Seabird by Michelle Kadarusman (Pajama Press) — Young People’s Literature, Text Finalist
For children eight-12, Seabird by Michelle Kadarusman is a historical fiction novel following the early teen years of Kartini, a girl born in Dutch-colonized Indonesia. During a period of forced isolation, Kartini begins writing letters to a former schoolmate, eventually developing an interest in feminism and the education of Javanese women and girls. In Kadarusman’s latest middle-grade novel, the Toronto- and Australia-based author demonstrates the power of sharing one’s voice.
Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsythe (Simon & Schuster Canada) — Young People’s Literature, Illustrated Books Finalist
Acclaimed author and illustrator Matthew Forsythe delights young readers and their adults once more with Aggie and the Ghost. Against a backdrop of softly coloured, rain-drenched illustrations, young Aggie is surprised to find that her new home is haunted by a ghost. Over the course of the story, Aggie and her new roommate lay out some rules for their cohabitation and ultimately make a discovery that many of us know too well—it can be hard living with others.
All Kidding Aside by Neil Smith (Baraka Books)
Originally written in French by Quebec poet, novelist, and screenwriter Jean-Christophe Réhel, All Kidding Aside, translated by Neil Smith, tells the story of Louis, a queer man living in Montreal’s east end. While working at a Tim Hortons, Louis harbours dreams of stand-up comedy. Humorous and quick, the novel is described by John Casey for The Literary Review of Canada as a “combination of melodramatic tragedy and slapstick comedy” told through “concise chapters and dialogue-driven narration, which is rendered smoothly in English by Neil Smith.”
The winners of the 2026 Governor General’s Literary Awards will be announced on November 12, 2026.
