The 2026 Kirkus Prize Finalists

by Tayari Jones

Beautifully written and powerfully compelling. Full review >

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by Daniyal Mueenuddin

A potent and nuanced tale about the abuse of an underclass in ways both subtle and overt. Full review >

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by Brenda Navarro ; translated by Megan McDowell

A sensitive portrayal of sibling love, grief, and the trauma of dislocation. Full review >

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by Julie Orringer

Heart-stoppingly good. Full review >

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by Douglas Stuart

With his gift for creating vibrantly specific characters and settings, Stuart again taps profound human truth. Full review >

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by Colson Whitehead

A master novelist in full command of his powers as a storyteller, prose stylist, and social observer. Full review >

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by Pamela Colloff

A fiery indictment of a system that rewards jailbird snitches for “telling just the right story.” Full review >

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by Ada Ferrer

As heartbreaking as this story often is, it is equally heartwarming, filled with love of all kinds. Full review >

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by Patrick Radden Keefe

An exemplary account of naïveté, wealth, and menace, impeccably told by a top-notch journalist. Full review >

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by Loubna Mrie

A fierce ode to a fight for freedom that helped a generation of Syrian artists find its voice. Full review >

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by Gisèle Pelicot with Judith Perrignon ; translated by Natasha Lehrer & Ruth Diver

A heartrending and courageous account of the ultimate betrayal. Full review >

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by Michael Pollan

A fluent survey of what we know—or think we know—about the mind. Full review >

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by Julie Leung ; illustrated by Angie Kang

An impressively realistic, heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and illuminating understanding. Full review >

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by Karthika Naïr ; illustrated by Joëlle Jolivet

A remarkable story of compassion and cooperation. Full review >

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by Matthew Fox

Sad, sweet, and special; a subtle meditation on grief and love. Full review >

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