2025 ABIA shortlist announced

The 2025 shortlist for the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs) has just been announced, and we’re thrilled to share that Penguin Random House Australia has eleven books across ten categories in the running this year.

Keep reading to learn about each book and which awards they have been nominated for.

2025 ABIAs shortlisted books

Audiobook of the Year | Literary Fiction Book of the Year | Social Impact Book of the Year

Juice by Tim Winton

‘A hold-your-breath adventure set in an utterly plausible, sun-hammered future, JUICE will stab your conscience and break your heart.’ – Emma Donoghue 

Biography Book of the Year

The Whole Truth by Jackie O

‘I’ve always strived to be honest in my public life; however, there’s a lot I’ve kept private. Now, it’s time to tell the whole truth.’ – Jackie O 

"A brave, no-holds-barred memoir." - WHO Magazine

The John Marsden Book of the Year for Older Children (ages 13+)

Eleanor Jones Can’t Keep a Secret by Amy Doak

‘There’s lots of layers in this book, including sub-plots about consent and romance, which will appeal to teenage readers. And of course, towards the end Eleanor gets up to her neck in trouble which is scary enough for this reader without overstepping.’ – Heather Gallagher for CBCA Reading Time

The Girl with No Reflection by Keshe Chow

‘The perfect blend of royal court drama and spine-chilling horror. The Girl With No Reflection is uniquely enthralling, pushing the bounds of fantasy and exceeding with brilliance.’ – Chloe Gong, author of These Violent Delights

Book of the Year for Younger Children (ages 7–12)

The 113th Assistant Librarian by Stuart Wilson

‘Bursting at the seams with imagination, this whimsical adventure becomes more magical (and more dangerous!) with every turn of the page.’ – Amie Kaufman, author of The World Between Blinks

General Fiction Book of the Year

The Venice Hotel by Tess Woods

‘In this strikingly tender, warm and nuanced novel, Tess Woods has combined a rich cast of characters with vivid imagery, thought-provoking topical themes and delicate moments of heartbreak. I unashamedly sobbed my way through the second half of this book late into the night and I will confess that I completely fell in love with the women of the Venice Hotel.’  – Nicola Moriarty

General Nonfiction Book of the Year

The Forever War by Nick Bryant

‘What’s gone wrong with America? In this exceptionally thoughtful, astute and moving book, Nick Bryant explores the deep roots of its current discontents, tracing the origins of Trumpism to the very birth of the American republic. Bryant writes as both a keen political reporter and a first-class historian, interweaving past and present to supremely powerful effect. It’s a superb achievement. And as the American people face one of the most crucial elections in their history, nobody with the slightest interest in their future can afford to miss it.’ – Dominic Sandbrook, author of The Rest is History

Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Your Child’s Mental Health by Billy Garvey

'There's no such thing as a manual for being a parent, but I reckon this comes bloody close!' – Hamish Blake

Illustrated Book of the Year

Bake with Brooki by Brooke Bellamy

'Before this book came out, I had a cookie recipe that I used to use all the time and I swore by it, and last week I tasted Brooki’s recipe for chocolate chip cookies and I am converted, much easier to make, so tasty . . . and perfectly sweet.' – Better Reading's Come to My Kitchen

You Don’t Have to Have a Dream by Tim Minchin

‘Filled with Minchin’s famed wit, cynicism, and romanticism and some questionably quirky drawings, I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Whether you’re in university or currently experiencing a life crisis, Minchin gives wonderfully sage and philosophical advice to get you through, well, life.’ – Tori Brown, QUT Glass 

International Book of the Year

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

‘Osman’s new series, which kicks off with this book, is written with just as light a touch and gently humorous tone . . . The thing that shines through in Osman’s writing, for me, is that he really likes people and revels in all their foibles and eccentricities. All of which makes for a delightful read.’ – Alison Flood, The Guardian