The shortlist has been selected for the Center for Fiction 2026 First Novel Prize, which recognizes "the best debut novel of the year and supports emerging voices in fiction."
The shortlisted authors will read from their work and gather with the public at the Center for Fiction First Novel Fête on Friday, December 4. The winner, who will be announced at the Center's Annual Awards Benefit on Tuesday, December 8, will receive $15,000. Each shortlisted author receives $1,000.
The shortlist:
A Real Animal by Emeline Atwood (Catapult)
Carrying by Samantha Josephs (Putnam)
Whidbey by T Kira Madden (Mariner Books)
Ruins, Child by Giada Scodellaro (New Directions)
Offseason by Avigayl Sharp (Astra House)
Blow Yourself Up by Ankur Thakkar (TriQuarterly Books)
The Four Wives and Five Deaths of Richard Milford by Nafissa Thompson-Spires (Scribner)