Founded in 2000, the Branford Boase Award was set up in memory of award-winning author Henrietta Branford and her editor Wendy Boase of Walker Books, who both died in 1999, and is unique in honouring both author and editor of outstanding debut novels. Nathanael Lessore receives a prize of £1,000 and he, Ella Whiddett and Ruth Bennett receive engraved trophies.

Steady For This, set in the Peckham estate where Nathanael grew up, is the story of 13-year-old would-be rapper Shaun, aka MC Growls, as he navigates life, love and dreams of stardom.

Judge and last year’s winners Christine Pillainayagam said: “Despite strong competition, Steady For This was a unanimous winner. A bright, funny, moving story that felt joyful and fresh, we couldn’t wait to read more of Nathanael’s work.”

On winning the Branford Boase Award, Nathanael Lessore says, “Writing Steady For This was fun, in the same way that crying with laughter or having unlimited funds at a funfair is fun. I can’t say that I’m proud of myself for writing Steady For This, in the same way I’m not proud of myself for playing pool in the pub, because I enjoyed myself so much when doing it.

And while work plays a big part in the publishing of books, so does luck. My publisher Hot Key Books and my editors Ella and Ruth have played the role of genie in a lamp granting wishes. The best thing about this award is that I get to share it with my genies. Together, we’ve produced a book that brings a smile to people’s faces.”

Winning editor Ella Whiddett says: “We knew Nate was a very special writer from the first page of this extraordinary story about an ordinary boy living and laughing through the growing pains of teenagehood. Years after that first read, Steady For This continues to bring such joy to my life, so to be shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award with this book in particular was truly special. But to win it with Nate and Ruth is an absolute career highlight.’

Winning editor Ruth Bennett says, “We are over the moon that Steady For This has been chosen as the winner of the Branford Boase Award! It’s such an incredible honour for the editorial partnership between Nate, Ella and me to be recognised by the judges – working on bringing Nate’s unforgettable characters and unique storytelling skill to readers has been a satisfying and hugely enjoyable experience from start to finish. Steady For This shows that books can be funny and powerful, they can teach you things and make you laugh, and we look forward to many more readers falling in love with Growls and his friends, just as we have done.”

ALCS is proud to sponsor the Branford Boase Award. You can learn more about the award here.