The shortlist for the 2019 Branford Boase Award was announced yesterday.  The Branford Boase Award identifies outstanding authors at the start of their careers. There were 7 books shortlisted and the winner will be announced on the 27th June at a ceremony in London.

The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson

“A beautifully told, original take on the tale of Baba Yaga this timeless story of death and grief and the zest for life stars a sentient house with chicken legs.”

 

The Train to Impossible Places by P.G. Bell

“When a magical train drives through her hallway it’s the start of an extraordinary adventure for science-loving Suzy, one that will take her to some very strange places.”

 

Rosie Loves Jack by Mel Darbon

“A contemporary love story starring Rosie, who is 16 and has Down’s syndrome; and Jack, who attends the same college in a specialist unit. When Jack is sent away, Rosie is determined to see him again, whatever it takes.”

 

The Goose Road by Rowena House

“Set in France during the First World War, this novel tells of Angelique and her belief that her brother Pascal will return from the trenches to take over the family farm.· She is determined to keep the farm and the herd of geese he loves so much safe for him.”

 

I Am Thunder by Muhammad Khan

“Bright but shy Muzna is the sixteen-year-old only child of Pakistani parents now settled in Britain. Her father wants her to become a doctor whereas she can only think about her writing. The story changes course when Muzna gets dangerously over-involved in a manipulative terrorist cell.”

 

Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen

“When Sarah’s mother is shot dead, there’s no time to grieve. A Jew in Nazi Germany, she uses her talent as an actress to become a school-girl spy, though she’s keenly aware that her life counts very little to her spy-master.”

 

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q Raúf,

“The arrival of a new boy in class, who doesn’t speak, or smile, and disappears at break times, intrigues the narrator of this book and when she finds out that his family are lost somewhere in Europe, she and her friends decide to help.”