The 2026 Toronto Book Awards shortlist has been announced. Established in 1974 by Toronto City Council, the Toronto Book Awards honour authors whose works deepen our understanding of Toronto’s diverse communities, cultures and history. Jackie Khalilieh's YA novel You Started It made the list.
The jury had this to say about You Started It:
"Balancing an enchanting story about young love mixed with the soft edges of challenges almost all teenagers face when navigating friendship, family and identity, You Started It offers a gorgeous exploration of learning how to simultaneously belong and be comfortable in one’s own skin. Jackie Khalilieh anchors some of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks in this story about a Palestinian-Canadian teen’s journey in overcoming a summer breakup and crippling anxiety while rediscovering and finding dignity in her family’s cultural heritage. Khalilieh offers us a romantically charming tale filled with vibrant characters who, despite their youthful faults, endear themselves to readers."
The winner will be announced at a gala event on November 10 in partnership with Toronto Public Library. The award carries a cash prize of $20,000 to the winner, with each of the remaining shortlisted titles receiving $2,000. Admission to the ceremony is free. Register here.
Leading up the awards ceremony, there are a couple of events taking place this fall to celebrate the shortlist. On September 21, Toronto's Arts & Letter Club is hosting an event where each of the shortlisted author will talk about and read selections from their books. Learn more here. The finalists will also appear at Toronto's The Word on the Street this year. Jackie Khalilieh's session takes place on Saturday, September 26 from 12:45-1:15 pm. For more details, visit toronto.thewordonthestreet.ca.
To see the entire shortlist, visit toronto.ca.