BRANFORD BOASE AWARD SHORTLIST 2019

The children’s authors to watch: shortlist for the 2019 Branford Boase Award announced

The shortlist for the 2019 Branford Boase Award [1] has been announced. Founded 20 years ago to commemorate award-winning author Henrietta Branford (Dimanche Diller [2], Fire, Bed and Bone [3]) and her inspirational editor Wendy Boase (co-founder of Walker Books), the Branford Boase Award is given annually to the author of the outstanding debut novel for children. Uniquely, the Branford Boase Award also honours the book’s editor and highlights the importance of the relationship between author and editor.

It is known as ‘the one to watch’, such is its track record in identifying the future stars of the children’s book world at the start of their careers. Over its 20 year existence, winners and shortlisted authors include Meg Rosoff, Philip Reeve, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Frances Hardinge, and Patrick Ness.

Demonstrating the extraordinary depth of new writing talent in the UK, the shortlist for the 2019 award features the Blue Peter Book Award winner; a book that made the Costa shortlist; and a book in the running for the 2019 CILIP Carnegie Medal.

The seven books on the shortlist are:

The House with Chicken Legs [4] by Sophie Anderson, edited by Rebecca Hill and Becky Walker (Usborne) *shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal*

The Train to Impossible Places by P.G. Bell, edited by Rebecca Hill and Becky Walker (Usborne)

Rosie Loves Jack [5] by Mel Darbon, edited by Sarah Stewart (Usborne)

The Goose Road [6] by Rowena House, edited by Mara Bergman (Walker Books)

I Am Thunder [7] by Muhammad Khan, edited by Lucy Pearse (Macmillan) *shortlisted for the YA Book Prize*

Orphan Monster Spy [8] by Matt Killeen, edited by Sarah Stewart and Kendra Levin (Usborne) *shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award*

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Raúf, edited by Lena McCauley (Orion Children’s Books) *winner of the Blue Peter Book Award*

Co-founder of the award, Julia Eccleshare, children’s director of the Hay Festival says: “In its twenty-year history, the Branford Boase Award has given a crucial early career boost to the most exciting and important young authors, and prompted publishers to seek out new talent. What’s more, it continues to reflect the shape and preoccupations of contemporary children’s literature: this year’s shortlist demonstrates the strength and depth of writing for children and young people. There are powerful stories for young adults tackling complex issues alongside delightfully original fiction for readers aged 8 – 11, and recurring themes include resilience, identity and a sense of self.”

The 2019 judges are Louise Johns-Shepherd of CLPE, Sanchita Basu De Sarkar of the Children's Bookshop Muswell Hill, Ellen Krajewski, librarian, and 2018 Branford Boase Award winner Mitch Johnson.

The winner will be announced on Thursday 27^th June at a ceremony in London.