VICTORIA, B.C. — The 2025 shortlists for the Victoria Book Prizes have been announced by three independent juries comprised of representatives from the local literary arts community.
The Victoria Book Prizes Society is grateful to announce the generous sponsorship of the new DC Reid Poetry Book Prize. Reid has published 18 books and 11 collections of poetry. A 2015 PoeTrain Laureate, he holds a BSc in zoology and biochemistry from University of Calgary, an Honours BA in English and philosophy from the University of Liverpool and a master’s in public administration from the University of Victoria.
“Victoria is one of the few poetry havens across Canada”, says Reid. “It deserves an award for its many talented poets.”
These books have been shortlisted for the inaugural $5,000 prize:
• Water Quality (McGill-Queen’s University Press) by Cynthia Woodman Kerkham
• Midway (House of Anansi) by Kayla Czaga
• Signal Infinities (McClelland & Stewart) by Melanie Siebert
The $5,000 City of Victoria Book Prize, now in its 22nd year, is awarded to a writer from the Capital Regional District for the best book published in the categories of fiction and non-fiction. This year’s finalists are:
• Little Fortified Stories (Caitlyn Press) by Barbara Black
• More Richly in Earth; A Poet’s Search for Mary MacLeod by Marilyn Bowering
• Signs of Life; Field Notes from the Frontlines of Extinction (Goose Lane) by Sarah Cox
The $5,000 City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize, now in its 18th year, is awarded to an author or illustrator for the best book for youth. The finalists are:
• Birds on the Brain (Groundwood Books) by Uma Krishnaswami
• What Makes a Bird (Owl Kids) by Megan Pomper
• Why We Need Vaccines; How Humans Beat Infectious Diseases (Orca Book Publishers) by Rowena Rae
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony hosted by Lieutenant Governor Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia at Government House on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Several public events will be held in the coming weeks. For details, visit the Victoria Book Prizes Society website or Instagram.
The Victoria Book Prizes Society also acknowledges the ongoing sponsorship from the Friesens Corporation, Munro’s Books, Russell Books, CBC Radio, Chateau Victoria, the Magnolia Hotel and Spa and the Greater Victoria Public Library.
The City of Victoria is a long-standing sponsor of both the Victoria Book Prize and the Children’s Book Prize. These awards recognize excellence in local writing and storytelling and reflect the City’s commitment to fostering a vibrant literary community. Through its continued support, the City helps celebrate authors and illustrators whose work enriches the cultural life of Victoria and inspires readers of all ages.
The Victoria Book Prizes Society establishes policy and criteria for the prizes, administers the competition and appoints the juries. For more information visit victoriabookprizes.ca
Media Contacts:
Christina Haska
President, Victoria Book Prizes Society
250.507.6561 | christina.haska@me.com
Colleen Mycroft
Manager, Intergovernmental and Media Relations
250.896.5325 | cmycroft@victoria.ca
2025 Victoria Book Prize Finalists Announced
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