Since 2006, the Center for Fiction has been highlighting the best debut novels of the year through its First Novel Prize. This year’s 180 eligible titles were published in the US between January 1st and December 31st, and were narrowed down to seven books by more than 500 writers, librarians, booksellers, and others. In early December, the winning author will receive $15,000, while each shortlisted author will receive $1,000.

This year’s judges include R. O. Kwon, Kiese Laymon, Jordy Rosenberg, and Danzy Senna.

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Though the shortlist cut a couple of our favorite books of the year so far, it did retain some others. It also maintained diversity. In its titles, a thriller traverses trauma and classic literature, women create a new ethnography through communal living, and more.

2026 First Novel Prize Shortlist

A Real Animal by Emeline Atwood

Carrying by Samantha Josephs

Whidbey by T Kira Madden

Ruins, Child by Giada Scodellaro

Offseason by Avigayl Sharp

Blow Yourself Up by Ankur Thakkar

The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard Milford by Nafissa Thompson-Spires

The shortlisted authors will read from their books on December 4, 2026, for the First Novel Fête, and the winner will be announced on December 8, 2026.

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