Branford Boase Award 2011

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The Branford Boase Award, given annually to the author of an outstanding debut novel, will be announced tonight in London. So I've just enough time to pass on the shortlist, and it is a varied and fascinating shortlist.
The books on the shortlist are:
I Am the Blade by J P 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 Press)
The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh, edited by Imogen Cooper (Chicken House)

My personal favourite on the list is 'The Crowfield Curse' by Pat Walsh. An excellent work of historical fiction that reads like 'A Company of Liars' for ages 10 years+. (My thoughts on 'Crowfield Curse' should be on the 'Older Reviews' page). Fingers crossed!

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