Surviving Summer Camp Makes the 2026 Whistler Independent Book Awards Longlist!

I'm thrilled to share some exciting news: Surviving Summer Camp has officially been named to the longlist for the 2026 Whistler Independent Book Awards in the Children’s Fiction category!

Being selected as one of the Top 12 titles is an incredible honor. The WIBA is the only national juried award in Canada specifically for independent authors, and the competition this year was tighter than ever as they opened the awards to a global audience for the first time.

What are the Whistler Independent Book Awards?

Established in 2016, these awards recognize excellence in independent publishing. They are unique because the initial longlist is curated by established authors and the Whistler Writing Society, ensuring that every book is judged on its literary merit and professional production.

What’s Next?

Making the longlist is just the first step in this adventure! Here is the timeline for the next few months:

• June 17: The Shortlist (Top 6) will be announced.

• August 5: The Finalists (Top 3) will be revealed.

• November 5–8: The winners will be announced during the Whistler Writers Festival.

A Huge Thank You to My Readers

The goal of Surviving Summer Camp has always been to get "reluctant readers" excited about books through fast-paced, high-stakes adventure. Seeing it recognized by a prestigious literary organization like WIBA is a testament to the support of the parents, teachers, and young readers who have championed this story from day one.

I’ll be waiting for the June 17th announcement! In the meantime, you can check out the full longlist at the Whistler Independent Book Awards website.

Looking for a fast-paced read for a middle-grade adventurer? Grab your copy of Surviving Summer Camp on [Amazon] or you local library. [VPL.ca].