Influential, by Amara Sage, has been longlisted for the 2024 Branford Boase Awards.
The Branford Boase Award, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, recognises outstanding debut novels for children and young adults, specifically acknowledging the incredible work of authors and their editors. We are delighted that Amara and her editor at Faber, Alice Swan, have been recognized in this year’s longlist.
Influential is a heart-felt, whip smart YA novel exploring the dangers and reality of being internet famous as a child. 17-year-old Almond Brown was forced into the spotlight as a baby, her mum documenting their family through social media since before she was born. And her family enjoy all the rewards that come from that level of influence. Only, it’s not the life Almond would have chosen for herself, and being on a platform all the time has made her anxious and insecure. When the darkest side of the internet begins to haunt her, Almond feels like she’s going to lose everything.
Published in January 2023, Influential received recognition in The Guardian’s best new children’s and teens books weekly roundup and was included in The Guardian’s 2023 Highlights.
The shortlist for the Branford Boase Award will be announced on Thursday 25 April 2024 and the winner announced on Thursday, 11 July 2024 at an award ceremony at CLPE in London.
For more information about The Branford Boase Award 2024, click here.
