Whether you’re an avid reader, a literature lover, or simply someone with a curious mind, chances are you’re keeping an eye out for the latest literary award news. It’s all too easy to find yourself wandering through countless corners of the internet to discover which books have earned top honours. Or perhaps you prefer stepping outside for some fresh air, head to your local library or bookstore, browse the shelves, and flip through newly crowned titles — some still wrapped in their prize-winning ribbons.
This fall, several major literary awards have revealed their winners. Here are some highlights for your reading pleasure.
This prize celebrates exceptional works of fiction or short story collections translated into English and published in England or Ireland. It also honours the invaluable work of translators.
Winner: Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtag, translated by Deepa Bhasthi.
These awards recognize outstanding literary works published in Canada in both official languages across seven categories, and for readers of all ages.
English-Language 2025 Winners
Fiction: Small Ceremonies – Kyle Edwards
Poetry: Wellwater – Karen Solie
Drama: Rise, Red River – Tara Beagan
Non-fiction: How to Survive a Bear Attack – Claire Cameron
Young People’s Literature – Text: Tig – Heather Smith
Young People’s Literature – Illustrated Books: This Land is a Lullaby – Tonya Simpson, Delreé Dumond
Translation (French to English): Uiesh / Somewhere – Jessica Moore
French-Language 2025 Winners
Fiction: Les déterrées – Katia Belkhodja
Poetry: Au passage du fleuve – Paul Chanel Malenfant, Éditions du Noroît
Drama: Ces regards amoureux de garçons altérés – Éric Noël
Non-fiction: Soigner, écrire – Ouanessa Younsi
Young People’s Literature – Text: Coup bas – Laurie Léveillé
Young People’s Literature – Illustrated Books: Un cadeau de Noël en novembre – Stéphane Laporte, Jacques Goldstyn
Translation (English to French): Les sœurs de la Muée – Sylvie Bérard, Suzanne Grenier
Awarded annually to an exceptional work of fiction published in English, the Booker Prize remains one of the most prestigious literary honours in the world.
2025 Winner: Flesh by David Szalay.
The winners of the Ottawa Book Awards were announced on Saturday, November 15, recognizing outstanding works of fiction and non-fiction in both English and French.
English Fiction: This Bright Dust – Nina Berkhout
English Non-Fiction: Out of Darkness – Denise Chong
Prix du livre d’Ottawa: Charlotte au pays des mots – Emmanuelle Erny
Planning your year-end vacation? Why not bring along one of these remarkable, award-winning reads. They’re perfect companions for unforgettable adventures.