Excelsior Award White 2026


2026 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award White shortlst have been designated as suitable for children aged 9+ (or Key Stage 2 in schools)

Click on the book's title for extra information


Hilda and her new friend, Burku the giant, are enjoying playing together in the Wilderness. There is just one thing that would make everything more fun... snow!

It just so happens that Twig has accidentally woken the Ice Man! Unfortunately, that means there's a lot more than a snow flurry headed straight for Hilda!

Hilda and Twig

Details

Writer: Luke Pearson

Artist: Luke Pearson

Published by Flying Eye Books

ISBN: 978-1838742928

In a galaxy beyond the Milky Way, three friends and their goofy sidekick discover a mysterious glowing orb. It draws them into the Emotosphere, where their adventure begins. Feelings run high and friendships are tested as they face the Galaxy of Woah and the swirling Vortex.

Can these friends work together to master the 7 Cosmic Powers and navigate the Emotosphere? Will the cast of intriguing characters they meet along the way help them find their ultimate treasure?

Tales of the Emotosphere

Details

Writer: Russ Daff & Dr. Susannah Redhead

Artist: Russ Daff

Published by ZunTold

ISBN: ‎978-1915758293

Peaceful life in a perfectly constructed town bores ten-year-old Nico into mischief. Riding creepers while they explode is fun and all, but what he really wants is to escape the blocky confines of his home and take his crafting skills on an adventure to the end of the world. Just how big is the world, anyway, and what could stand in his way?

Minecraft

Details

Writer: Kazuyoshi Seto

Artist: Kazuyoshi Seto

Published by Viz Media

ISBN: 978-1974747146

It's almost sunset, and Hassan has been dreaming about eating since the sun came up. The month of Ramadan has begun, and not eating until sundown intensifies his already busy days full of homework, soccer, and gaming. And since his teachers and friends at school barely understand Ramadan and its traditions, it's easier to just… not mention it.

Almost Sunset

Details

Writer: Wahab Algarmi

Artist: Wahab Algarmi

Published by Harper Collins

ISBN: 978-0063355668

Some stories will tell you fairies are sweet, kind, magical creatures. Well, those stories are WRONG. It’s time everyone knew the TRUTH! Fairies are sneaky, cunning and about as magical as slugs.

Join our impulsive, hilarious and somewhat surprising hero Pip on a breakneck adventure among the warring unfairy tribes of The Garden.

Unfairies

Details

Writer: Huw Aaron

Artist: Huw Aaron

Published by Penguin

ISBN: 978-0241683767

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