Emeline Atwood's astonishing debut novel, A REAL ANIMAL, was shortlisted for the Center for Fiction 2026 First Novel Prize. The seven shortlisted titles were selected from the longlist by this year’s judges: R. O. Kwon, Kiese Laymon, Jordy Rosenberg, and Danzy Senna. The winner will be announced at The Center’s Annual Awards Benefit on Tuesday, December 8. Catapult published A REAL ANIMAL on July 7, 2026.