What is the Branford Boase Award?

Founded in 2000 to commemorate prize-winning author Henrietta Branford and influential Walker Books editor Wendy Boase, the Branford Boase Award consistently highlights future stars at the start of their careers. Previous winners and shortlisted authors include Meg Rosoff, Katya Balen, Philip Reeve, Frances Hardinge, M.G. Leonard, and Maisie Chan.

The 2024 Branford Boase Award Winner

Nathanael Lessore, recently named winner Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Older Readers, won in 2024 with his laught-out-loud debut novel Steady for This.

The Branford Boase Award is a barometer, identifying trends and new directions in children’s literature. It is also the only award to honour the editor of the winning title and highlights the importance of editors in nurturing new talent.

From a longlist of 20 books, the judges have chosen six to shortlist, a mix of fantasy and realism, with escapism and humour alongside hard-hitting contemporary stories.

The 2025 Branford Boase Award Shortlist in Full:

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond, edited by Ruth Bennett (Piccadilly Press)

Mythology is given a modern makeover as mortal Peregrine Quinn sets out to rescue her immortal godfather, Daedalus Bloom, facing down laser gun-wielding reptiles in a race against time to save not only Daedalus but humanity itself from ancient evil. The judges admired Ash Bond’s strong voice and the way she manages an intricate plot, handling the different strands very well. It’s long, but pacey!

The Boy in the Suit by James Fox, edited by Lauren Fortune (Scholastic)

Solo Walker and his mum crash funerals for the free food. It’s all fine until they get found out in the worst possible way. A funny story that’s also full of pathos, and which sensitively confronts issues of poverty and mental health. This book caught us by surprise, say the judges, it’s layered and lets us know exactly what Solo is going through. An important, authentic voice.

Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence, edited by Katie Sinfield (Penguin Random House)

Structured in the form of a monthly diary, the book follows Ronny’s fortunes over the course of a year. After a shocking and violent event, he and his mother leave London for a new life in Norwich where the chance to develop his talent for creative writing brings new opportunities. This hard-hitting verse novel convinces from the first page. It includes multiple themes but handles them well. Powerful and memorable, say the judges.

All the Hidden Monsters by Amie Jordan, edited by Rachel Leyshon (Chicken House)

A serial killer is at large in an otherworld Manchester, where Upside is inhabited by humans and other creatures who can, at will, look like humans; and a subterranean Downside has occupants ranging from werewolves and warlocks to fairies and pixies. At ease in both, Sage is determined to find the killer. The judges loved the world Amie Jordan creates, and the skill with which she structures the plot. It’s a page-turner with appeal for all.

Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald, edited by Alice Swan, assisted by Ama Badu (Faber)

Also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Writing

Finlay and Banjo were once good friends, but time and events have separated them. Now they are both in Glasgow, both striving to make new lives while coping with complicated histories. A coming-of-age novel exploring the power of identity, community and masculinity. The judges were deeply moved by the way the novel describes the experiences of young care leavers and with the character development throughout.

The Boy to Beat the Gods by Ashley Thorpe, edited by Sarah Stewart (Usborne)

The gods are the capricious Orishas from West African folklore, giants who delight in demolishing local villages and devouring their people. Kayode is determined to rescue his little sister from them, whatever it takes. A terrific working of the quest format, say the judges, and one that turns tradition on its head. This exciting, fast-moving story has appeal for a broad readership, including those unfamiliar with the stories that inspire it.  

Julia Eccleshare, co-founder of the Branford Boase Award and chair of the judges says, “There is a great deal of very good new writing out there. On another strong shortlist, we are delighted to highlight these refreshingly different voices and stories. The 2025 Branford Boase Award shortlist proves that there is nothing children’s authors can’t write about, and the breadth and variety of these outstanding books are a hallmark of the healthy state of writing and publishing for children in the UK.”

She adds however, “But we all agree that too many of the books we read are simply too long. Publishers are over-estimating the amount of time children are prepared to spend reading. When you’ve said what you want to say, stop!”

This year’s panel of judges is led by Nathanael Lessore, who together with his editors Ruth Bennett and Ella Whiddett won the 2024 Branford Boase Award with Steady for This. Joining him on the panel are Phoebe Demeger, CLPE’s librarian; author, former bookseller and now BA Bookshop Mentor Nicki Thornton; and Rumena Aktar, SLA School Librarian of the Year and expert reviewer for Inclusive Books for Children. The judging panel will be chaired by Julia Eccleshare, children's director of the Hay Festival.

The 2025 Branford Boase Award Winner

This year's winner will be announced at a ceremony at CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) in central London on Wednesday 11 July 2025. The winning author receives a cheque for £1,000 and both author and editor receive an inscribed plaque.

The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition

Running in conjunction with the Branford Boase Award, The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition, the annual competition for young people who enjoy writing stories, is now open. See the Branford Boase Award website here for more details.

#BBA2025 | @BranfordBoase

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