We’re in the middle of book awards season and Blood Ties has just won the Red House Children’s Book Award for 2009. This is a MASSIVE award, because it’s the only national award entirely voted for by children and I’m thrilled that my book has proved so popular. Blood Ties has already picked up the Leeds and Lancashire Book Awards and is on a few more shortlists too. Awards ceremonies are always great fun – you get to sign books and meet readers and have a meal and a laugh with other people who really love stories. The Red House award went by in a whirlwind of photos and party poppers – I’m still reeling with excitement! Apart from picking up the beautiful trophy, I got to meet some of the young readers who took part in the voting and everyone at Red House and the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, who not only organised the ceremony, but who do such great work in getting the right books to the right children all year round. Blood Ties’ success was especially sweet, because two years ago Girl, Missing won in the older readers category – and this was a lovely follow up!
Sophie was born and brought up in London, where she still lives with her teenage son. She has worked as a journalist and a magazine editor, but fell in love with writing after being made redundant and enrolling in a creative writing course. She burst into the publishing world with Girl, Missing her debut novel (published 2006), which tallied up numerous award wins nationwide, including the Richard and Judy Best Kids’ Books 2007 (12+ category), The Red House Book Award and The Manchester Children’s Book Award. She was also longlisted for the Branford Boase award, which commends debut authors, and the coveted Carnegie Medal.
Read more...© 2011 Simon & Schuster UK Ltd., a CBS Company. View our terms and conditions, privacy policy. and information for parents
