The shortlist for the 2026 Branford Boase Award has been announced. Founded in 2000 to commemorate award-winning author Henrietta Branford and influential Walker Books editor Wendy Boase, the award is presented annually to the author and editor of the year’s outstanding début novel for children aged seven and up. It is the only children’s book award that honours the editor of the winning title, highlighting the important role an editor plays in developing and nurturing new talent.

The Branford Boase Award is a barometer, often identifying new trends and directions in children’s literature. It has also consistently recognised future stars at the start of their writing careers. In the last five years alone, winners and shortlisted authors include Maisie Chan, Struan Murray, Hiba Noor Khan, JP Rose, Matt Goodfellow, Elle McNicoll and Nathanael Lessore. Last year’s winning title Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald also won the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2025 and the 11-14+ category of the 2025 UKLA Book Award.

This year’s shortlist of seven titles was whittled down from a longlist of 24 by an expert panel of judges made up of authors, educators and reviewers, including last year’s winner Margaret McDonald.

Commenting on the shortlist, Julia Eccleshare, co-founder of the award and chair of judges, said: ‘The Branford Boase Award is special in so many ways. You can only win it once; it is the only award to recognise the vital role of the editor in nurturing talented new writers; and it identifies the direction of contemporary writing and publishing for children and young people. This year’s shortlist features seven magnificent debuts. With varied themes and settings, and for readers aged from 8 to teenage, they are very different, yet each author achieves their intention. The variety and richness of theme and topic demonstrate the vibrancy and relevance of contemporary publishing for children. Congratulations to these seven authors and their editors.”

Running alongside the Branford Boase Award is the Henrietta Branford Writing Competition. Set up to encourage writing talent in young people aged 8-18, schools have until 29th May to submit entries. Find out more about this year’s competition.

Congratulations to all this year’s shortlisted authors and editors!

 

The 2026 Branford Boase Award shortlist:

Tart by Becki Jayne Crossley, edited by Cathy Liney (Bloomsbury). Judges’ comments: The small-town setting is very convincing and the book deals with important themes honestly and authentically. It has an incredibly strong opening and holds readers’ attention to the end.

How to Roller Skate with One Leg by Ella Dove, illustrated by Jennifer Jamieson, edited by Anne Marie Ryan (Orchard Books). Judges’ comments: This funny, touching story explains Maya’s experience of disability very well, but does much more besides, creating an original and convincing inner voice and portraying Maya, her friends and family sensitively and with real insight.

Evie and Maryam’s Family Tree by Janeen Hayat, edited by Bella Pearson (Guppy Books). ‘Rich, meaningful content is handled with a lightness of touch that feels exactly right for the readership,’ say the judges of this middle-grade novel that explores themes of family history, cultural identity and memory. Winner of the Waterstones Best Book for Younger Readers 2026.

Love on Sight by Asli Jensen, edited by Shalini Vallepur (Chicken House). Judges’ comments: ‘Powerful and authentic, covering topics and themes not often found in YA literature, and providing a strong sense of community and working-class culture.’

Gloam by Jack Mackay, edited by Katie Jennings (Rock the Boat). ‘A scary and evocative Gothic thriller that is also great fun to read,’ say the judges.

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn, edited by Emma Jones and Charlie Castelletti (First Ink). Judges’ comments: This small town, big emotions romance is sharply observed, witty, full of characters readers will adore, and manages to be both hilarious and heartfelt.’

Augmented by Kenechi Udogu, edited by Natasha Brown and Jenny Glencross (Faber & Faber). Judges’ comments: ‘A very clever dystopian adventure set in a well realised world. It’s unusual to see characters of Akaego’s background as protagonists in this kind of story, and this is a book that goes well beyond the issues at its heart.’ Shortlisted for the Jhalak Children’s and YA Prize 2026.

The winner of this year’s Branford Boase Award will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 8th July 2026. Watch out for our winner announcement.

For more children’s book awards, click here.