Debut writers highlighted in the Branford Boase Award 2025 shortlist
Posted on Thursday, April 24, 2025
Category: Book Awards
The Branford Boase Award celebrates new children's writers, helping to identifying trends and new directions in children’s literature. It is also is 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 winner of the Branford Boase Award 2025 will be announced 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, the annual competition for young people which runs in conjunction with the Branford Boase Award, is open now.
The Branford Boase Award Shortlist 2025
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! Read an extract
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. Read an extract
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. Read an extract
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. Read an extract
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. Read an extract
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. Read an extract
