The Branford Boase Shortlist Introduction by Darren Matthews
The Branford Boase is an highly acclaimed award for a debut author and their editor. The longlist and shortlist are spectacular and worthy of reading. We are excited to share a blog from CLPE Advisory Teacher and Judge, Darren Matthews about this shortlist.
The Branford Boase Shortlist 2023
An introduction by judge CLPE Primary Advisory Teacher: Darren Matthews
It has been such a pleasure to be part of the panel of judges for this year’s Branford Boase Award, which is awarded annually to the author and editor of the outstanding debut novel for children.
The longlist of 21 titles is testament to the quality of writing for young people – it’s hard to believe that these are by debut authors – and each deserve to find their way to library bookshelves and readers’ hands.
The quality was such that narrowing those 21 down to eight was certainly a challenge, but we’re thrilled with the final choices for the shortlist – which, in alphabetic order by title, are:
The Bones of Me by Kel Duckhouse, edited by Harriet Birkinshaw (Flying Eye Books): Molly Levine – the young boxer at the centre of this story – often feels like she’s fighting against the whole world, both inside and outside the ring. Her fight, her family and this story are deeply rooted in the London East End community. Told in a mixture of prose and poetry, this hybrid verse novel feels new and exciting. It’s a riveting read with an engaging, dynamic protagonist and the judges look forward to seeing what the author does next.
The Cats We Meet Along the Way by Nadia Mikail, edited by Bella Pearson (Guppy Books): A road trip narrative spread across Malaysia about a search for connection, understanding and acceptance in a pre-apocalyptic world. In these pages, the reader is taken on a journey through places rarely seen in books for young people and these are vividly drawn. The judges loved the balance struck between anxiety, anger and frustration with a genuine hope and optimism for the future, even in light of seemingly inevitable devastation.
Ellie Pillai is Brown by Christine Pillainayagam, edited by Leah Thaxton (Faber): There were plenty of smiles around the judging table discussing Pillainayagam’s protagonist and her attempts to shape her own identity within the school community and within her family. Alongside the humour and the inevitable rollercoaster of teen romance, there is real sensitivity and warmth. And, how often can you read a genuinely delightful book that also has a terrific soundtrack?
The Eternal Return of Clara Hart by Louise Finch, edited by Siobhàn Parkinson (Little Island Books): In this innovative and thrilling read, Spence relives the same day time and time again, while trying to prevent the death of the eponymous classmate. All of the judges were in awe of how skillfully told this story was – the reader is in the hands of a masterful storyteller here. As well as being a gripping and unpredictable tale, it also tackles themes that will feel very relevant to today’s world and is likely to trigger lengthy discussions amongst readers.
The Haunting of Tyrese Walker by J.P. Rose edited by Chloe Sackur (Andersen Press): Newly arrived in Jamaica, our title character soon finds himself facing supernatural forces. This book really stood out for the quality of the writing and the ways in which character, setting, theme, genre and the narrative itself are seamlessly woven together. It’s difficult to imagine another story so thoroughly and authentically embedded within its environment. A very clever and riveting use of folklore and horror to explore grief.
The Map of Leaves by Yarrow Townsend, edited by Rachel Leyshon (Chicken House): In this race-against-time adventure, the author presents us with a story that not only communicates a clear and timely environmental story, championing and celebrating nature, but does so via a mesmerising, whirlwind plot. Meanwhile, Orla, in desperate search for a cure to the sickness infecting both people and plants, feels like a newly-discovered, instantly-classic protagonist: opinionated, disparaging, rude, wilful, brave and determined.
Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin, edited by Gráinne Clear (Walker Books): This YA Fantasy does what the very best speculative fiction achieves: it creates a mythology that is innovative and timeless all while teasing philosophical questions about identity and sentience. Kuara is a crafter, able to manipulate paper with her mind, creating creatures that seem alive. With the same capable hand and vast imagination of a Studio Ghibli or Star Wars movie, this slick, cinematic adventure ends with the promise of further stories still to come.
Seed by Caryl Lewis, edited by Sarah Hughes, illustrated by George Ermos (Macmillan Children’s Books): Marty is gifted a very special seed on his birthday, and when he starts to grow the plant in his grandfather’s allotment it promises to change everything. This funny and affecting story – like the ‘seed’ in the title – expands with magic and wonder, chapter by chapter. With one strand of the story firmly rooted in the world of fairy tale and magic, and the other interested in investigating real-world concerns, family relationships and a sensitive portrayal of mental health, this finds a singular and very accomplished balance between the two. Find out more about the books and the shortlisted authors and editors on the Branford Boase Award website.
The winner of the Branford Boase Award will be announced at a ceremony at CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) in central London on Thursday 13 July 2023. The winning author receives a cheque for £1,000 and both author and editor receive an inscribed plaque.