A shortlist has been released for the 2025 Branford Boase Award, which is sponsored by Walker Books and presented to the author of an outstanding debut novel for children. The prize also honors the editor of the winning title and highlights the importance of the editor in nurturing new talent. The winner, who will be named July 9, receives £1,000 (about $1,330), with author and editor each getting an inscribed plaque. This year's shortlisted titles are:
Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond, edited by Ruth Bennett
The Boy in the Suit by James Fox, edited by Lauren Fortune
Wild East by Ashley Hickson-Lovence, edited by Katie Sinfield
All the Hidden Monsters by Amie Jordan, edited by Rachel Leyshon
Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald, edited by Alice Swan, assisted by Ama Badu
The Boy to Beat the Gods by Ashley Thorpe, edited by Sarah Stewart