Science Writers and Communicators of Canada has announced the shortlists for the 2025 SWCC Book Awards.

The prizes recognize outstanding contributions to science writing by Canadians in general and youth categories. A third award, the Paradigm Prize, recognizes underrepresented perspectives in science writing, for which the winner is selected from among the finalists for the two main categories.

The three finalists in each of the main categories are:

General

• Meltdown: The Making and Breaking of a Field Scientist by Sarah Boon (University of Alberta Press)
• Webb’s Cosmos: Images and Discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope by Marcin Sawicki (Firefly Books)
• Sisters of the Jungle: The Trailblazing Women Who Shaped the Study of Wild Primates by Keriann McGoogan (Douglas & McIntyre)

Youth

• Together, a Forest by Roz MacLean (Henry Holt & Co./Macmillan Publishers)
• Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint? by Tyna Legault Taylor and Michelle Dao, ill. (HighWater Press/Portage & Main Press)
• The Gland Factory by Rachel Poliquin and Clayton Hanmer, ill. (Greystone Kids)

Winners in both categories, as well as the winner of this year’s Paradigm Prize, will be announced in September. More than 50 books were entered for consideration in this year’s awards.

The winners of the general and youth categories each receive $1,000, while the winner of the Paradigm Prize receives $500.

The SWCC encompasses media professionals, technical writers, educators, and communications officers in science and technology-related institutions.