Magabala is thrilled to announce that Ruby's Web by Ellen van Neerven and A Savage Turn by Luke Patterson have been shortlisted in the 2026 Queensland Literary Awards in their respective categories.

Ruby's Web by Ellen van Neerven has been nominated for the Children's Book Award.

The judges said of Ellen's work:

Ruby is a compelling character with a strong voice. Her internal thoughts help the reader connect with her struggles as she battles schoolyard and online bullying, in the aftermath of losing her beloved father. Ruby’s family connection is beautiful, especially with her nan, and the anchors of home and Country are particularly relevant to the story as Ruby yearns for silence and safety. This short and engaging novel is impactful and powerful and is written with a poet’s touch.

A Savage Turn by Luke Patterson has been nominated for the Judith Wright Calanthe Award for a Poetry Collection.

The judges said of Luke's work:

This dynamic first collection strikes with irony and sardonic humour as it investigates colonial reckonings and the systematic trauma inflicted on indigenous people. The language dives headlong into its tropes to inventively expose this divestment of agency and power. The collection also looks at chronic Indigenous incarceration, at places usurped by settler lore, reconstituting them with images defiant of ownership and possession. These poems are imbued with a spirited intelligence, and while uncompromising in their critique of past and present, are also full of intimacy and tenderness.

All category winners will be announced at the QLAs ceremony as part of the Brisbane Writers Festival on 8 October. 

Congratulations again to Ellen and Luke!