The School Library Association (SLA) has announced the shortlist for the 2026 Information Book Award (IBA), recognizing outstanding UK-published information books for young people up to age 16. The list features a diverse selection of titles that cover a wide range of subjects, from picture books to choose-your-own adventures and encyclopedias.
Children across the country can now read the shortlisted books and cast their votes in the Award’s Children’s Choice categories. Schools that sign up for the Book Club before Friday, February 13th will have the opportunity to receive a free pack of shortlisted books in one age category, thanks to generous support from the Authors Licensing and Collection Society (ALCS).
The voting period will run until May 2026, allowing schools to hold meaningful book club sessions over several weeks. By participating in the IBA Book Club, children can develop critical thinking skills, gain confidence in expressing their opinions, discover new interests, and ignite their love for reading.
In addition to the shortlist announcement, the SLA has also revealed new sponsorship for the IBA. DK, the UK’s top children’s non-fiction publisher, has joined the Award as sponsor. This exciting partnership reflects the IBA’s focus on pupil voice and school engagement.
Sarah Later, Managing Director of DK Children’s, said: “At DK, we believe in the transformational power of books. In the National Year of Reading, school libraries are more important than ever. As more young readers turn to non-fiction, the Information Book Award is crucial in celebrating the incredible talent that brings our world to life.”
The 12 books on the IBA shortlist cover a wide range of topics, including why we sleep and where we came from. The shortlist is divided into three age categories: Under 7, 8-12, and 13-16.
The shortlist for the Under 7 age category includes A Billion Ways to Be by Chitra Soundar, Frog: A Story of Life on Earth by Isabel Thomas, Recycling Day: What Happens to the Things We Throw Away by Polly Faber, and Where Did She Go? by Cariad Lloyd.
The 8-12 age category shortlist features About Time by Rebecca Struthers and Alom Shaha, Choose Your Own Evolution by Jules Howard, Science Detective Agency by Steve Derrick, and Why Do We Sleep? by Cathy Evans.
The 13-16 age category shortlist includes Explodapedia: The Brain by Ben Martynoga, It’s a Brave Young World by Anu Adebogun, Normal Women by Philippa Gregory, and Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods in Our Own Words, edited by Jen Campbell, James Catchpole, and Lucy Catchpole.
The shortlist was selected by a panel of judges consisting of SLA member librarians, industry representatives, and authors, including SLA Patron Smriti Halls. Helen Cleaves, the Chair of Judges, said: “From automata to autism, this shortlist offers a diverse range of information adventures for children of all ages. These books are not only visually stunning, but they also have engaging text and meticulous design for maximum impact.”
The winners of the IBA and the Children’s Choice accolades will be announced in the summer. Four awards will be given by both the judges and the school children shadowing the Award, with each group choosing a winner in each age category and an overall winner. Last year’s overall IBA winner was Black History for Every Day of the Year by David, Yinka, and Kemi Olusoga, while the overall Children’s Choice went to Amazing Asia by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Jason Lyon.
Victoria Dilly, CEO of the SLA, said: “For librarians, teachers, parents, and children, information books offer a new route into reading, encouraging curiosity about the world around us and creating an ideal opportunity for a shared experience. This year’s IBA shortlist features a diverse collection of books that cover a vast range of subjects. We can’t wait to hear from all the librarians and pupils who will be exploring these books through the IBA Book Club.”
Book packs of the shortlisted titles are available for purchase from Peters Books at a 20% discount.
