Jean Little First-Novel Award
From Canadian Children's Book Centre
Established in 2021, the Jean Little First-Novel Award is intended to recognize the achievements of a first-time Canadian children’s middle-grade novelist. For the purposes of this award, “middles grades” are defined as typically grades 3-7/ages 8-12. The biennial award carries a cash prize of $5,000.
- Amount
- Up to $5,000
- Who can apply
- Individual artists not confirmed - check the funder's page
- Where you must live
- Not found
- Art forms
- Writing
- Application fee
- Not found
- Kind
- Prize or award
Always confirm the details with the funder before you apply. Saves stay in this browser, on this device. See them all on the Saved tab.
What is offered
Money to you
- The biennial award carries a cash prize of $5,000.
In the funder's words, from their page, read September 27, 2026.
Eligibility
Books must be written by first-time authors of novels for a middle-grade reading audience. Only authors who have not previously published a book are eligible for consideration. In the event of co-creatorship (i.e., either co-authors or a graphic novel whereby the illustrator has published before), at least one of the authors must be a first-time author. Books must be published during the previous two calendar years. Because this is a biennial award, the publication date timeframe is two years. Books may be published in Canada or abroad. Books must be first foreign or first Canadian editions.
What to send
Not found
Not yet checked against the funder's page.
Key details not found yet: entry fee.
Source: https://bookcentre.ca/pages/awards/jean-little-first-novel-award (opens in a new tab). Our research read it on October 22, 2026.
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