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Booksellers Association celebrates Percival Everett among Indie Book Awards winners
The Booksellers Association has unveiled the winning titles of this year’s Indie Book Awards – the only literary awards judged and awarded by independent bookshops.
Championing the best paperbacks of the summer across four categories (fiction, non-fiction, children’s fiction and picture book), this year’s Indie Book Awards winners were revealed on Magic Classical radio on Thursday 19th June. The winners are being presented with their awards in independent bookshops during this year’s Independent Bookshop Week (14th to 21st June).
Winning the fiction category was James by Percival Everett, a reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the enslaved Jim’s perspective. Hailed by the judges as beautifully written, evocative and powerful, James offers a vital new lens on a classic tale. Everett said: “I am so honoured to receive the Indie Book Award for best Fiction title, thank you to the booksellers judges.”
In non-fiction, the winner is Ingrained by Callum Robinson, a memoir about craft, food and the search for meaning in modern Britain. The judges praised its broad appeal and unforgettable narrative, calling it a joy to read.
Robinson said: “Ingrained is a book about how it feels to try and make something meaningful with your hands in our modern age and few professions are quite so meaningful as that of our independent booksellers. To see Ingrained voted into the top non-fiction spot is overwhelming. I’m thrilled and humbled – this means the world.”
The children’s fiction category was won by Ghostlines by Katya Balen, a story of grief, friendship and creative freedom that shifts between urban streets and wild island landscapes. The judges described it as heart-racing, thrilling and profound – the perfect summer adventure.
Balen said: “This is just a thrill and an honour. I am the reader and writer I am because of independent bookshops, especially Bookseller Crow in Crystal Palace. It feels so special to win an award that celebrates bookshops’ role in our literary lives.”
Finally, the picture-book prize went to The Golden Hare by Paddy Donnelly, a story about connection to nature, packed with illustrations and hidden surprises. The panel called it a special book to share with readers of all ages.
Donnelly said: “I’m so delighted The Golden Hare has won the picture book award! Independent bookshops are dear to my heart, and to know indie booksellers voted for my book is very special. You’re the best!”
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The adult category was judged by Charlotte Vaughan (Kenilworth Books), Thomas Owen (Gay on Wye), Amber Harrison (FOLDE), Jacqui Delbaere (The Little Green Bookshop) and Tomás Kenny (Kennys Bookshop & Art Gallery). The adult judging panel said: “From a very strong and varied shortlist, James stood out as a moving and masterfully written work. It takes a revered piece of literature and reshapes it with intelligence and urgency. A compelling and unforgettable novel.”
They added: “Ingrained is one of those hidden gems booksellers love to champion – niche at first glance, but irresistible once opened. It’s tender, beautifully crafted and full of humanity – a book that lingers.”
The judges for the children category are: Amy Moorhouse (The Thoughtful Spot Children’s Bookshop), Molly Murray (Seahorse Bookstore), Heather Slater (Forum Books), Trish Hennessy (Halfway Up the Stairs) and Sarah Skelton (The Book Nook Stewarton).
They said: “The children’s categories were filled with outstanding titles, but Ghostlines captivated us with its emotion and adventure – a page-turner with real depth [...] The Golden Hare had us all smiling – a celebration of nature, connection and wonder. The illustrations are a joy and the book has cross-generational charm.”
Emma Bradshaw, head of campaigns at the Booksellers Association, said: “At the Booksellers Association, we’re fortunate to see the unique magic that happens when talented authors and passionate independent booksellers come together to champion great books. The Indie Book Awards are a celebration of that connection — showcasing the books that booksellers love, and are excited to share with, their readers.”
