AWARD NEWS

Branford Boase Award

The shortlist has been announced for the prestigious Branford Boase Award, which recognises debut children's novels and their author's editors.

I am the Blade by JP Buxton, edited by Beverley Birch (Hachette)

When I Was Joe by Keren David, edited by Maurice Lyon (Frances Lincoln)

Tall Story by Candy Gourlay, edited by Bella Pearson (David Fickling)

Unhooking the Moon by Gregory Hughes, edited by Roisin Heycock (Quercus)

Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace, edited by Charlie Sheppard (Andersen)

The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh, edited by Imogen Copper (Chicken House)

The judges are Isla Dawes, of The Barnes Bookshop; Jake Hope, librarian; Damian Kelleher, journalist and writer; and Lucy Christopher, author of Stolen, winner of the 2010 Award.

The panel is chaired by Julia Eccleshare, children's books editor of the Guardian.

The is a prize of £1,000 for the winner, who will be announced on 6th July. Both author and editor also receive a hand-crafted, silver-inlaid box.