The 35th British Book Awards
The results are in! The 35th Annual Book Awards have named this year’s most outstanding reads — and we’ve brought them all together for you to explore.
From groundbreaking fiction to thought-provoking nonfiction, these books represent the best of the best — chosen by critics, industry professionals, and readers alike.
This Year's Winners
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Book of the Year
Read MePatriot, Alexei Navalny
The exhilarating life story of one of the most fearless and inspiring figures of our time, who became a beacon to millions and the sole political threat to Vladimir Putin. -
Children's Fiction
Shop NowDiary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess by Jeff Kinney
This hilarious children's fiction book captures the awkwardness of family vacations, perfect for readers who enjoy the relatable humor of the "Dork Diaries" series and the cartoon-filled narratives of Lincoln Peirce.
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Children's Illustrated
Shop NowJonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
Jonty the little gentoo penguin longs to find his true home at the South Pole, so he sets off on an amazing adventure.
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Children's Non-Fiction
Shop NowWilding: How to Bring Wildlife Back, Isabella Tree & Angela Harding
A beautiful book which tells the story of the Knepp Estate in West Sussex and includes easy in-garden activities to 're-wild' your own spaces. -
Crime & Thriller
Read MeHunted by Abir Mukherjee
A riveting standalone thriller that findstwo devastated parents in a race against time to track down their children, who are suspected of terrorist atrocities. -
Debut Fiction
Read MeButter by Asako Yuzuki
This unsettling modern fiction explores the intersection of food, obsession, and societal expectations in Japan.
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Discover
Read Mepoyums by Len Pennie
From Len Pennie, the performance poet sensation, comesan electric debut collection about loving, learning, surviving, growing and giving.
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Fiction
Read MeJames by Percival Everett
A bold reimagining of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, this novel follows enslaved Jim who emerges to reclaim his voice and defy the conventions that have consigned him to the margins
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Non-Fiction: Lifestyle & Illustrated
Read MeWhat I Ate in One Year
This engaging memoir offers a delectable glimpse into the life of Stanley Tucci through the lens of food,
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Non-Fiction: Narrative
Read MePatriot by Alexei Navalny
The exhilarating life story of one of the most fearless and inspiring figures of our time, who became a beacon to millions and the sole political threat to Vladimir Putin.
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Pageturner
Read MeFaebound by Saara El-Arifi
When a fatal mistake leads to Yeeran’s exile from the Elven lands, she and her sister are both forced into the terrifying wilderness beyond their borders.
Author of the Year
Percival Everett
Percival Everett has been named Author of the Year at the 2025 British Book Awards, with his novel James also winning Fiction Book of the Year. A bold reimagining of Huckleberry Finn, James has cemented Everett’s place as one of today’s most powerful literary voices.
Illustrator of the Year
Rob Biddulph
Rob Biddulph has been named Illustrator of the Year at the 2025 British Book Awards. Renowned for his vibrant illustrations and beloved characters, Biddulph's work continues to captivate readers of all ages. His popular Draw With Rob series has inspired countless young artists worldwide.