Branford Boase Award

Resource type: Book awards

Price band: Free

Key stage: KS2, KS3

Region(s): All of UK

The Branford Boase Award is made annually to the most promising book for children of seven and upward by a first-time novelist. It recognises not only the author but also the contribution of the editor in identifying and nurturing new talent. The Award is judged by a panel of authors and children’s book experts.

Read our winner and shortlist announcements for the 2026 Branford Boase Award.

Timetable:

The 2027 shortlist will be announced in April 2027.
The winner will be announced on July 2027.

Cost: Free.

About the Branford Boase Award: The Branford Boase Award was set up in 1999 in memory of award-winning author Henrietta Branford and her editor Wendy Boase.

Further resources:

There are free teaching notes for a selection of past winners available to download from the website.
Find past winners of the Branford Boase Awards here.
The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition is an annual writing competition for young people that runs alongside the Branford Boase Award.
For a full listing of children’s book awards judged by adults, click here. Book awards judged by young people can be found here.