Seven “magnificent” books are on this year’s shortlist, a rom com, a horror story, thought-provoking contemporary stories for YA readers, a sci-fi thriller, and two rich, meaningful stories for pre-teen and early teen readers.
Author: Becki Jayne Crossley
Editor: Cathy Liney
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Set in a quaint English village, Becki Jayne Crossley’s YA novel explores the damaging effects of peer pressure and crowd mentality and how hiding your identity to fit in can be devastating. The small-town setting is very convincing, say the judges, and the book deals with important themes honestly and authentically. It has an incredibly strong opening and holds readers’ attention to the end.
Author: Ella Dove
Illustrator: Jennifer Jamieson
Editor: Anne Marie Ryan
Publisher: Orchard Books
Maya is returning to Year 8 after the traffic accident in which she lost her leg, and determined to live her life exactly as she wants which means learn to roller skate, and host the best party ever. This funny, touching story explains Maya’s experience of disability very well, but does much more besides, say the judges, creating an original and convincing inner voice and portraying Maya, her friends and family sensitively and with real insight.
Author: Janeen Hayat
Editor: Bella Pearson
Publisher: Guppy Books
Winner of the Waterstones Best Book for Younger Readers 2026.
Janeen Hayat’s debut novel tells the stories of four girls, two of whom live in present day England, two who meet in Delhi in 1929. They turn out to be much more closely connected than they think in a story that explores themes of family history, cultural identity, memory and untold stories. Rich, meaningful content is handled with a lightness of touch that feels exactly right for the readership, say the judges.
Author: Asli Jensen
Editor: Shalini Vallepur
Publisher: Chicken House
Sabrina, a Jamaican English teenager, is a star student with her sights set on university. Jalaal, a Somali teenager, is a small-time drug dealer with only a dusty dream of starting a street clothing brand. They could not appear more different, but a chance meeting at a party leads to an unexpected relationship. Powerful and authentic, say the judges, covering topics and themes not often found in YA literature, and providing a strong sense of community and working-class culture.
Author: Jack Mackay
Editor: Katie Jennings
Publisher: Rock the Boat
In an old house, on a remote island, Gwen and her siblings encounter a terrifying monster. If only they could convince their stepfather of the dangers they’re facing. A scary and evocative Gothic thriller that is also great fun to read, say the judges, this shows children how hard it is to be a grown up.
Author: Harry Trevaldwyn
Editor: Emma Jones and Charlie Castelletti
Publisher: First Ink
Teenager Patrick, or to use his preferred, self-invented nickname, Patch, is indeed a drama king. Having come out to the drama group he attends, he is determined that this is the term he will get a boyfriend but, as all readers know, the path to true love is never smooth. Louise Rennison for a new generation, say the judges! This small town, big emotions romance is sharply observed, witty, full of characters readers will adore, and manages to be both hilarious and heartfelt.
Author: Kenechi Udogu
Editor: Natasha Brown and Jenny Glencross
Publisher: Faber
Set in an all too plausible future London suffering extreme weather conditions, this tense sci-fi eco-thriller stars Akaego, whose life changes dramatically when she is identified as a ‘mechsim’ with the ability to enhance plant growth. A very clever dystopian adventure, say the judges, set in a well realised world. It’s unusual to see characters of Akaego’s background as protagonists in this kind of story, and this is a book that goes well beyond the issues at its heart.
Andrea Reece
30 Winton Avenue, London, N11 2AT
Tel: 0208 889 1292
Mob: 07807 893369
Email: branford.boase@gmail.com
Andrea Reece
Tel: 07807 893369 | Email: branford.boase@gmail.com