Ten Finalists Named for 2026 Australian Christian Book of the Year

Australia’s Christian writing community is celebrating, with ten titles named finalists for the 2026 Australian Christian Book of the Year Award, one of the country’s longest-running literary honours for Christian authors.

Presented annually by SparkLit since 1981, the award recognises an original book written by an Australian citizen that demonstrates excellence in Christian writing. Entries are judged on their originality, literary style, design and the contribution they make to Christian writing in Australia.

Something for every reader

This year’s finalists cover a striking range of genres, from memoir and biblical scholarship to poetry, children’s resources and cultural commentary, meaning there’s a shortlisted title for just about every kind of reader.

A familiar name features on this year’s list, Danielle Treweek, who won the 2024 Australian Christian Book of the Year for The Meaning of Singleness, returns to the shortlist with her latest work, Single Ever After.

Meet the judges

The shortlist was selected by a panel of three judges. Greg Clarke, CEO of Leprosy Mission Australia and author of the 2014 award-winning The Great Bible Swindle, brings decades of experience in publishing and Christian mission. Amy Isham manages the Mannix Library at the Catholic Theological College in Melbourne, while Grace Lung directs the Centre for Asian Christianity at Brisbane School of Theology.

Three awards, one night

The Australian Christian Book of the Year isn’t the only honour on offer. SparkLit will also present the Young Australian Christian Writer Award and the Australian Christian Teen Writer Award on the same evening, recognising the next generation of Christian voices alongside this year’s established authors.

All three winners will be revealed at the SparkLit Awards Night on Thursday 20 August from 7:30pm AEST.

The Australian Christian Book of the Year winner receives three thousand dollars and a framed certificate, with a matching certificate presented to their publisher.

Readers can register to attend the Awards Night in person (Blackburn North, VIC) or receive the free livestream link to watch from home.

Either way, it’s a chance to celebrate the courage and endeavour of Australia’s Christian writers, both established and emerging, together.

This article was researched and prepared by staff writers, with assistance from AI in its presentation. Final review and fact-checking were undertaken by our Digital Team prior to publication. 

Feature image: SparkLit