The Diverse Book Awards

Resource type: Book awards

Price band: Free

Key stage: KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5

Region(s): All of UK

The Diverse Book Awards were set up to showcase the best diverse books in the UK and Ireland. There are six award categories:

Picture books
Children’s books
YA fiction
Non-fiction for young readers (all ages)
Adult fiction
Adult non-fiction

The winners are chosen by a panel of judges made up of authors, young readers, bloggers and book industry experts. There is also a Readers’ Choice award for each category that allows members of the public to vote for their favourite title from the longlist.

Read our winner and shortlist announcements for The Diverse Book Awards 2025.

Timetable:

The shortlists for the 2026 awards will be announced on 24th September 2026
The winners will be announced on 22nd October 2026.

Cost: Free.

About The Diverse Book Awards: The Diverse Book Awards were established in 2019 by author Abiola Bello and publicist Helen Lewis. The team also run the Malorie Blackman Award, which recognises an author, illustrator or poet who has made a strong impact in publishing through their commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Further resources:

The Diverse Book Awards donate their review copies to UK schools, libraries and hospitals. Apply to receive free copies of up to four books here.
Find more children’s book awards that challenge stereotypes and champion inclusivity here.
Explore the Reflecting Realities section of the website for more resources to help build an inclusive and representative library.
For a full listing of children’s book awards judged by adults, click here. Book awards judged by young people can be found here.