Margaret was born in 1936 in Whakatane. She is probably New Zealand's most famous author.
She started writing picture books in the 1960s, and then in the mid 1970s started writing junior fiction. In the 1980s she starting writing teenage fiction. She's written about 120 books - and keeps writing. She's won heaps of awards worldwide. Her books have been translated into about 15 different languages.
In 2005 Margaret was recognised as an official New Zealand icon by the Arts Foundation of New Zealand.
In March 2006 Margaret won the Hans Christian Andersen Award. This award is the major international award for children's and teens' literature.
Find out more about Margaret Mahy
There are a few books out about Margaret:
And, written for adults: Margaret Mahy: a writer's life by Tessa Duder
Selected books by Margaret Mahy
Alchemy
It's about a boy who is black-mailed by a teacher at his school because he knows that Roland (boy) stole a notebook, 3 pens and a pie but he doesn't want anyone to know because he's so perfect, already has a girlfriend and is perfect. His task is to investigate into a girl who the teacher supposes has something hiding from everyone. As Roland talks to her and tries to be her friend, Roland suddenly finds her more interesting and starts digging for more. What he finds is amazing.
Best character: Jess Ferrett
Christine, 13
Laura has to save her brother, Jacko, from being sucked dry by the evil Carmody Braque. Her new relationship with Sorry is providing intrigue. And then there's her mother's new relationship.
Tycho and Angela's relationship undergoes change over the course of two intense days.
Anthea is drawn into a ghostly nightmare when she finds some objects belonging to her great-uncle Henry.
Meredith's family wants to keep the coast free from developers - but when one moves in, the land makes clear what it wants.
A teenage boy begins an unlikely friendship with a elderly woman.
Hero elects to be mute - a true oddity in her loud and argumentive family.
A love triangle with a difference.
In 24 hours Ellis gets achieved everything he'd planned to do in the next couple of years - well, apart from going to University. The break between finishing school and starting Uni leaves him free to transform his life. Drawn into The Land of Smiles, it's 24 hours of life or death action for Ellis. And time's running out. |
