The longlist for the 2015 Branford Boase award has been published.
It includes the YA Book Prize-shortlisted Trouble by Non Pratt and Half Bad by Sally Green.
The Branford Boase award is given every year to the author and editor of a debut children’s novel. 60 books were submitted this year- when the prize was launched 15 years ago, they only had a dozen entries.
Chair of the judging panel, Julia Eccleshare said “It’s been hugely encouraging to watch the submission numbers grow. The children’s book market today is extremely vibrant, and this longlist features 18 very varied books by interesting new authors.”
Bone Jack by Sara Crowe, edited by Charlie Sheppard and Eloise Wilson – paranormal
A Room full of Chocolate by Jane Elson, edited by Naomi Greenwood . A story of friendship, family and pot bellied pigs
The Year of the Rat by Clare Furniss, edited by Jane Griffiths 5* rated story
Cowgirl by Giancarlo Gemin, edited by Kirsty Stansfield Set in Wales, growing up on an estate
Half Bad by Sally Green, edited by Ben Horslen – 5* again Paranormal
Shadow of the Wolf by Tim Hall, edited by David Fickling and Bella Pearson. Historical fiction, Robin Hood
The Executioner’s Daughter by Jane Hardstaff, ed. S Paskins. Adventure, set in Tower of London
Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen, edited by Carmen McCullough and Lauren Buckland. Scifi-ish story of being trapped in a tower block
City of Halves by Lucy Inglis, edited by Imogen Cooper. Paranormal
Mars Evacuees by Sophia McDougall, edited by Sarah Hughes. Scifi
True Fire by Gary Meehan edited by Sarah Lambert Fantasy
Trouble by Non Pratt, edited by Annalie Grainger & Denise Johnstone-Burt. Story of pregnant school girl
Leopold Blue by Rosie Rowell, edited by Emily Thomas – eBook version South African fiction
The Dark Inside by Rupert Wallis, edited by Jane Griffiths Story of trying to lift a curse from a homeless man.
Dandelion Clocks by Rebecca Westcott, edited by Alexandra Antscherl
These will be ordered:
Archie Greene and the Magician’s Secret by D. D. Everest ed. by Alice Swan and Toni Markiet
Broken Strings by Maria Farrer, edited by Helen Thomas
Valentine Joe by Rebecca Stevens, edited by Rachel Leyshon
