2026 Timeline and Submission Details
CALIBA presents the 2026 Golden Poppy Awards in recognition of the most distinguished books written and illustrated by creators who have made California their home.
Committees for each category are made up of booksellers throughout the state tasked with developing a list of five finalists and one winner.
CALIBA presents the 2026 Golden Poppy Awards in recognition of the most distinguished books written and illustrated by creators who have made California their home.
Committees for each category are made up of booksellers throughout the state tasked with developing a list of five finalists and one winner.
2026 Timeline for Submissions:
Final submission forms are now closed. The office will not process titles submitted after June 19th. Judges are not obligated to consider review copies that arrive after July 10th.
In the event of a dispute regarding eligibility, CALIBA will decide whether a book is eligible, and its decision will be binding.
2026 Finalists and Winners Announcements:
The shortlist of titles for the ballot will be announced in August 2026. Winners will be announced at Fall Fest on September 15th, 2026 at CALIBA's Fall Fest. All Finalists will be invited to attend the Award Ceremony!
**New** 2026 Timeline: In-Person Awards Ceremony!
July 10th - Final Date for Books to Arrive to Committees
Week of August 17th - Office Notifies Finalists
August 24th - Finalists Announced
September 15th - **In-Person** Fall Fest Golden Poppy Awards Ceremony
Week of November 16th - Open Submissions for 2027 Winter Titles