Sandy Bigna's Little Bones wins 2026 ACT Book of the Year
Little Bones, a 256-page novel about an 11-year-old grieving her brother, beat seven shortlisted titles.
Canberra author Sandy Bigna's children's novel Little Bones has won the 2026 ACT Book of the Year. The story follows an 11-year-old named Bones who is grieving her brother's death.
One night she wishes upon a full moon for a bird to be resurrected, and the two form a close friendship. When the bird asks for the wish to be undone, Bones must grapple with losing another loved one.
ACT judges praised the book's tender, poetic storytelling and called it a profound meditation on grief, friendship and healing. Bigna wrote the novel in verse to create emotional connection between characters and readers.
Her next book, also a verse novel for ages nine to twelve, is coming mid-2027 through University of Queensland Press.
- 256 pages
- Book length
- 7 other novels
- Shortlisted titles
- 11 years old
- Protagonist age
- Mid-2027
- Next book release
Why it mattersA local author winning a major literary award brings recognition to ACT writing and shows how stories about grief resonate with readers across all ages.
AustraliaSandy Bigna's win celebrates Australian children's literature and puts a Canberra author in the spotlight, with her next book arriving soon for young Australian readers.
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