KPU instructor shortlisted for Giller Prize for novel about child soldiers

A Kwantlen Polytechnic University creative writing instructor has been shortlisted for the 2026 Scotiabank Giller Prize.

Nazanine Hozar's novel "The Small Ones" is one of five books named to the shortlist for Canada's leading fiction prize.

"This was totally unexpected. It's a very difficult industry, and when you're a writer, you're faced with a lot of rejection. Never in my career did I imagine such a thing, because it's so rare. I'm very grateful and honoured," Hozar said.

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The novel, released on Sept. 29, is a fable about children caught up in a military insurgence along the Iran-Iraq border in the early 1980s and forced to become soldiers and martyrs.

Hozar said her inspiration is rooted in her own experience growing up in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq war.

"We would see footage and images on the news of these young kids, mostly boys, heading off into battle, and it was really difficult. We were afraid of the war as children, but to see that, it was very confusing," she said.

"It was at once a bit terrifying, but also a bit enticing as if maybe we could be like these children too, go off to war. There was always an air of violence in the atmosphere, in society and a sort of inclination towards war-like things and I effectively wanted to write an anti-war novel."

"The Giller Prize is one of the highest honours in Canadian literature, and Naz's being shortlisted is truly impressive," said Dr. Shelley Boyd, Dean of KPU's Faculty of Arts.

"For KPU students taking creative writing courses, this fall semester will be infused with excitement as they have the incredible opportunity to be learning from such a talented writer. We are delighted for Naz and thrilled to have her teaching with us at KPU."

"The Small Ones" is Hozar's second published novel. Her debut, "Aria," is a national bestseller and was shortlisted for the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize and the Amazon Canada First Novel Award.

The Giller Prize, founded in 1994, recognizes the best Canadian novel, graphic novel or short story collection published in English.

The winner receives $100,000, and each finalist receives $10,000.

The 2026 shortlist was chosen by a jury panel of independent booksellers.

The winner will be announced on Nov. 16 at an awards ceremony in Toronto.

Major Canadian book awards say they depend on publishers to verify human authorship as AI-generated content sparks debate in the literary world, Yadude Books reported in September.

With files from Education News Canada