Excelsior Award Red 2026


2026 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award Red shortlst have been designated as suitable for children aged 14+ (or Key Stage 4 in schools)

Click on the book's title for extra information


Spell-slinging, sword-swinging, and the luck of the dice have shaped the lives of the Stranger Things boys well before they had real monsters to face. This D&D crossover delves into Eddie Munson’s past and his rise to de facto leader of the Hellfire Club, and explores his recruitment of Lucas, Dustin, and Mike. Throughout, there are brilliant glimpses into the fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons that they explore together. This book highlights what really makes tabletop RPGs great through the lens of the hit Netflix series.

Stranger Things and D&D

Details

Writers: Jody Hauser

Artist: Eric Campbell

Published by Dark Horse

ISBN: 978-1506737126

Kaede’s search for a missing classmate leads to the shocking discovery that his friend is actually an alien in a human flesh suit. Grateful for Kaede’s help with her case, cute and ruthless intergalactic insurance investigator Rin headhunts him for her firm. Kaede’s job interview leads to an epic battle on a commuter train, alien treachery, and a hidden spaceship. But before he can decide whether to accept the position or not, Kaede discovers another alien hidden in plain sight - one with a tragic story to share...

Cosmos

Details

Writer: Ryuhei Tamura

Artists: Ryuhei Tamura

Published by Viz Media

ISBN: 978-1974754649

All bonds among the mutant community seem to be slipping away, and Rogue reluctantly finds herself as the hero designated to bring them back together. But a fearless, malignant power is out there hunting mutants, and it has a terrible secret that may destroy what remains of the X-Men!

Rogue can count on Gambit and Wolverine, but they’ll soon welcome back another friend just in time to face four uncontrollable and wild mutants in the swamps of Louisiana! But will a grieving Rogue take Professor Xavier’s place in guiding them to the light? Or will a darkness from the past destroy the X-Men, one at a time?!

Uncanny X-Men

Details

Writer: Gail Simone

Artist: David Marquez

Published by Marvel

ISBN: 978-1302959296

Gale’s trying to master his anxiety, and he’s hoping the latest wonder-cure Simply Pear can help. Not turning up to his art classes and feeling like everyone is a lot cooler and more in control than he is, he chugs his Simply Pear products and takes advice from its demanding app. Oh, it’s definitely not working…

His plan is thrown into chaos by the bubbly Aiden, who needs a buddy to help him get a job. Can this colourful and heartfelt romp through shoddy part-time jobs help Gale out of his anxious bubble? There’s only one way to find out.  

Astral Panic

Details

Writer: Katie Hicks

Artist: Katie Hicks

Published by Flying Eye Books

ISBN: 978-1838742089


General Zod was Krypton’s most notorious criminal. Now he has an entire planet to rule - but what happens when the most dangerous individual in the universe gets everything he ever wanted? Obviously, he wants more - and he’ll stop at nothing to get it! This is not a hero’s journey - this is a dark ride. For General Zod and his family, the descent into Hell has just begun.

Kneel Before Zod

Details

Writer: Joe Casey

Artist: Dan McDaid

Published by DC Comics

ISBN: 978-1779528605

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