The shortlist for the prestigious 2026 Branford Boase Award, given annually to the author and editor of the year’s outstanding debut novel for children has just been announced.
Seven books are on this year’s shortlist: a rom com, a horror story, thought-provoking contemporary stories for YA readers, a sci-fi thriller, and two rich, meaningful stories for pre-teen and early teen readers.
Founded in 2000 to commemorate prize-winning author Henrietta Branford and influential Walker Books editor Wendy Boase, the Branford Boase Award consistently highlights the most talented new writers for children at the very start of their careers.
The Branford Boase Award also honours the editor of the winning book and highlights the importance of editors in nurturing new talent. It is the only award to do this.
The seven books shortlisted for the 2026 Branford Boase Award are:
- Tart by Becki Jayne Crossley, edited by Cathy Liney (Bloomsbury)
- How to Roller Skate with One Leg by Ella Dove, illustrated by Jennifer Jamieson, edited by Anne Marie Ryan (Orchard Books)
- Evie and Maryam’s Family Tree by Janeen Hayat, edited by Bella Pearson (Guppy Books)
- Love on Sight by Asli Jensen, edited by Shalini Vallepur (Chicken House)
- Gloam by Jack Mackay, edited by Katie Jennings (Rock the Boat)
- The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn, edited by Emma Jones and Charlie Castelletti (First Ink)
- Augmented by Kenechi Udogu, edited by Natasha Brown and Jenny Glencross (Faber)
The winner will be announced at a ceremony at CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) in central London on Wednesday 8 July 2026. The winning author receives a cheque for £1,000 and both author and editor receive an inscribed plaque.
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