The Branford Boase Award was set up in memory of award-winning author Henrietta Branford and her editor Wendy Boase, one of the founders of Walker Books. The award is given annually to the author of an outstanding debut novel for children.
It has a notable record in picking out the most talented authors at the start of their career. Past winners and shortlisted authors have included Siobhan Dowd, Meg Rosoff, Mal Peet, Frank Cottrell Boyce and Patrick Ness as well as Frances Hardinge, M G Leonard and Philip Reeve. Uniquely, the Branford Boase Award also honours the editor of the winning title and highlights the importance of the editor in nurturing new talent.
