Here are the finalists for the NYPL’s 2026 Young Lions Fiction Award.

Today, the New York Public Library announced the finalists for its Young Lions Fiction Award, which celebrates fiction by “exceptional early-career authors” (read: 35 years old or younger). This year’s judges are Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Raven Leilani, and Alexander Sammartino, who won the award last year. Here are the finalists:

Ariel Courage for Bad Nature
Kyle Edwards for Small Ceremonies
Harris Lahti for Foreclosure Gothic
Carrie R. Moore for Make Your Way Home
Stephanie Wambugu for Lonely Crowds

The winner will be announced at a ceremony on June 15, and will receive a prize of $10,000.