#ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “Book Illustration of the Year”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for Shout Kill Revel On the right is the logo for Renegade Arts Entertainment. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

The final title on the Book Illustration of the Year shortlist is @renegadeartsent.bsky.social's SHOUT KILL REVEL—a fast-paced and gorgeously illustrated tale that ingeniously mixes the genres of western, horror, and fantasy. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “Book Illustration of the Year”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for Buffalo Traces On the right is the logo for Frontenac House. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

The first title on the Book Illustration shortlist is @MarkVitaris’ BUFFALO TRACES. Visually stunning and narratively cohesive, this Frontenac House publication offers readers a photo-essay that goes beyond the expected. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist.

At the top there is the header: “Book Illustration of the Year.” Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the right page of the book are the logos for Renegade Arts Entertainment and Frontenac House. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”.

The Book Illustration shortlist includes books published by @renegadeartsent.bsky.social
and Frontenac House. Head to your local indie bookstore to see these illustrations in-person! #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “GRAPHIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR: SHORTLIST”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for WHEETAGO WAR ROTH On the right is the logo for Renegade Arts Entertainment. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

Rounding out the shortlist for Graphic Novel of the Year is WHEETAGO WAR ROTH. Published by @renegadeartsent.bsky.social, this haunting and unforgettable graphic novel possesses breathtaking illustrations; every page a work of art. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “GRAPHIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR: SHORTLIST”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for SHOUT KILL REVEL On the right is the logo for Renegade Arts Entertainment. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

SHOUT KILL REVEL is the next title on the Graphic Novel of the Year shortlist. The work’s rich world-building and intriguing premise are expertly complemented by the vibrant and bold illustrations. @renegadeartsent.bsky.social #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “GRAPHIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR: SHORTLIST”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for Quid Pro Crow On the right is the logo for Renegade Arts Entertainment. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

QUID PRO CROW is the first book on the Graphic Novel of the Year shortlist. In a tale full of mystery and adventure, the beautifully crafted illustrations immerse the reader deeper into the world of the protagonist, Mordecai Crow. @renegadeartsent.bsky.social #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “GRAPHIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR: SHORTLIST.” Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the text: “Sponsored by” and below is the Alberta Counsel logo. On the right page of the book are the logo for Renegade Arts Entertainment. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”.

We are excited to highlight the stunning graphic novels published in Alberta with the Graphic Novel of the Year shortlist. Thank you to Alberta Counsel for sponsoring this award! #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist @renegadeartsent.bsky.social

At the top there is the header: “Learning Book of the Year.”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for For the Public Good On the right is the logo for University of Alberta Press. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

The next book shortlisted for the Learning Book of the Year is FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD. Published by @ualbertapress.bsky.social, this book is a timely and well-researched work that examines and reimagines arts graduate programs. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “Learning Book of the Year.”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for ÎETHKA On the right is the logo for Durvile Publications. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

ÎETHKA is the third title shortlisted for the Learning Book of the Year. Published by @durvile-shyba.bsky.social, ÎETHKA is an ambitious book, featuring the Stoney Nakoda First Nation language in context and in action. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “Learning Book of the Year.”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for Common Clinical Presentations. On the right is the logo for Brush Education. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

COMMON CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS is a unique resource written by a physician for physicians. Published by Brush Education, this title is the second entry on the Learning Shortlist. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “Learning Book of the Year.”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for The Boundaried Therapist: Sustaining Yourself in the Counselling Profession. On the right is the logo for Brush Education. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

The first title on the Learning shortlist is THE BOUNDARIED THERAPIST published by Brush Education. This title illustrates the importance of boundaries for building and sustaining a long and vibrant career in counselling. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “Learning Book of the Year.” Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the right page of the book are the logos for Brush Education, Durvile & UpRoute, and University of Alberta Press. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”.

The next category is the Learning Book of the Year shortlist, which highlights books that help readers learn something new! The shortlist this year includes titles from Brush Education, @durvile-shyba.bsky.social, and @ualbertapress.bsky.social #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

The final title on the Book Design shortlist is @renegadeartsent.bsky.social’s SHOUT KILL REVEL by @jarrethartnell.bsky.social. Lightning paced and ingenious, this graphic novel offers stunning visuals and nail-bitting twists. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “Book Design of the Year.”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for EVERY NIGHT I DREAM I’M A MONK, EVERY NIGHT I DREAM I’M A MONSTER by Damian Tarnopolsky. On the right is the logo for Freehand Books. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

Next on the Book Design shortlist is Freehand Books' EVERY NIGHT I DREAM I’M A MONK, EVERY NIGHT I DREAM I’M A MONSTER. Offering a glimpse into the inner-workings of human relationships and experience with a novel that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “Book Design of the Year.”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for Game Genie Poems by Kevin Stebner. On the right is the logo for The Blasted Tree. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS".

The Blasted Tree's GAME GENIE POEMS is first on the Book Design shortlist. With dazzling inventiveness, Kevin Stebner presents poems written through the limited set of letters in the Game Genie cheat code cartridge. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “Book Design of the Year.” Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the right page of the book are the logos for Renegade Arts Entertainment, The Blasted Tree, and Freehand Books. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”.

The Book Design shortlist recognizes books with thoughtful interior and exterior design elements. This year, titles from @renegadeartsent.bsky.social, The Blasted Tree, and Freehand Books have been recognized for their book design. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “BOOK COVER DESIGN OF THE YEAR”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for Shout Kill Revel. On the right is the logo for Renegade Arts Entertainment. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

With bold colours, thoughtful design choices, and a riveting plot, SHOUT KILL REVEL is the final title shortlisted for Book Cover of the Year. @renegadeartsent.bsky.social @jarrethartnell.bsky.social #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

JUICEBOXERS follows the lives of four young soldiers during the Afghanistan war and the following turmoil. Shortlisted for the Book Cover of the Year, Natalie Olsen’s cover perfectly evokes the tone and themes of the novel. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “BOOK COVER DESIGN OF THE YEAR”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for RESISTING THE DEHUMANIZATION OF REFUGEES. On the right is the logo for Athabasca University Press. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

The second title shortlisted for Book Cover of the Year is @aupress.bsky.social's RESISTING THE DEHUMANIZATION OF REFUGEES. The talented @jvdwdesigns designed this eye-catching cover. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “BOOK COVER DESIGN OF THE YEAR”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for CAPE BRETON IN THE LONG TWENTIETH CENTURY. On the right is the logo for Athabasca University Press. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

The first title on the Book Cover shortlist is CAPE BRETON IN THE LONG TWENTIETH CENTURY. Designed by Martyn Schmoll, the cover perfectly encapsulates the book's tone and content. @aupress.bsky.social #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

ALT Text: At the top there is the header: “BOOK COVER DESIGN OF THE YEAR: SHORTLIST.” Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the text: “Sponsored by” and below is the Friessens logo. On the right page of the book are the logos for Athabasca University, Freehand Books, and Renegade Arts Entertainment. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”.

This time, we are judging books by their covers! The book design shortlist features some of the best cover designs from 2024. Thank you to Friesens for sponsoring this award. @aupress.bsky.social @renegadeartsent.bsky.social. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “ Trade Fiction Book of the Year”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for WE ARE ALREADY GHOSTS by Kit Dobson. On the right is the logo for University of Calgary Press. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

WE ARE ALREADY GHOSTS by Kit Dobson evokes time and place by beautifully weaving together the lives of one Canadian family at the turn-of-the-millennium. This @ucalgarypress.bsky.social publication is the final title on the Trade Fiction shortlist. #ABPubShortlist #ABbooks

At the top there is the header: “ Trade Fiction Book of the Year”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for Rubble Children by Aaron Kreuter. On the right is the logo for University of Alberta Press. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

Next on the Trade Fiction Short list is RUBBLE CHILDREN. Published by @ualbertapress.bsky.social, this collection of short stories spotlights the nuanced Canadian Jewish perspective. #ABPubShortlist #ABbooks

At the top there is the header: “ Trade Fiction Book of the Year”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for Hiroshima Bomb Money by Terry Watada. On the right is the logo for NeWest Press. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

HIROSHIMA BOMB MONEY is the next title on the Trade Fiction shortlist. Offering a seldom-told but important perspective, HIROSHIMA BOMB MONEY traces the lives of three Japanese siblings during the years 1930-1945. @newestpress.bsky.social #ABPubShortlist #ABbooks

At the top there is the header: “ Trade Fiction Book of the Year”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for The Art of Camouflage by Sara Power. On the right is the logo for Freehand Books. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

THE ART OF CAMOUFLAGE is the first title on the Trade Fiction shortlist — a brilliant and insightful novel with an unforgettable cast of complex characters. Published by Freehand Books. #ABPubShortlist #ABbooks

At the top there is the header: “Trade Fiction Book of the Year.” Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the right page of the book are the logos for NeWest Press, University of Alberta Press, University of Calgary Press, and Freehand Books. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”.

We will begin highlighting titles on the Trade Fiction shortlist. With so many great books and publishers shortlisted, we are excited to see which wins Trade Fiction Book of the Year! @ualbertapress.bsky.social @ucalgarypress.bsky.social @newestpress.bsky.social #ABPubShortlist #ABbooks

At the top there is the header: “Mystery and Thriller Book of the Year”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for Quid Pro Crow by Bill Slavin. On the right is the logo for Renegade Arts Entertainment. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

The final title on the Mystery & Thriller shortlist is QUID PRO CROW by Bill Slavin. Published by @renegadeartsent.bsky.social, this post-apocalyptic story follows Mordecai Crow as he searches for his long-lost family, adventuring through dangerous territories. #ABPubShortlist #ABbooks

At the top there is the header: “Mystery and Thriller Book of the Year”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for Call of the Void. On the right is the logo for NeWest Press. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

Next on the Mystery & Thriller Book of the Year shortlist is CALL OF THE VOID. Published by @newestpress.bsky.social, this book is a lightning-paced and unputdownable story about a PI solving a missing persons cold case. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “Mystery and Thriller Book of the Year”. Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the left page of the book is the book cover for Bronco Buster by A.J. Devlin. On the right is the logo for NeWest Press. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”

Published by @newestpress.bsky.social, BRONCO BUSTER is the first title on the Mystery & Thriller Book of the Year shortlist. BRONCO BUSTER is the humorous and fast-paced fourth installment in A.J. Devlin’s pro wrestler-turned-P.I. mystery series. #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist

At the top there is the header: “Mystery and Thriller Book of the Year.” Below is a Graphic of an open book. On the right page of the book are the logos for NeWest Press and Renegade Arts Entertainment. At the bottom to the left there is the footer: “The 2025 Alberta Book Publishing Awards”. To the bottom right there is a circular badge: “BPAA 50 YEARS”.

The Mystery and Thriller Book of the Year Award is awarded to a work of mystery, crime, noir, or thriller fiction published primarily for the trade or bookstore market. The winner will be announced at the Awards Gala! @newestpress.bsky.social @renegadeartsent.bsky.social #ABbooks #ABPubShortlist