This year has been a ride, hasn’t it? But there have been some good things happening, and I’m here to share them!
PhD Program and Move
Long-time readers will know that I loved my master’s at Bath Spa University. In fact, I loved it so much… I came back! Last fall, I applied for and was given admission to Bath Spa’s Creative Writing PhD program. Why do a PhD? A couple of reasons, including gaining experience, the opportunity to teach, and an excuse to return to the United Kingdom for a few years.
My PhD project is on messages about trauma and healing in traditional folklore (especially Celtic) and the way recent teen fantasy retellings change or update those messages. Do we still have the same attitudes about trauma and healing that we had back then? That sort of thing. The bulk of my PhD will be writing a novel (a retelling of a Celtic folklore story) but there is a lot of research going on in the background. I’ve loved reading a combination of books on neuroscience, teen fiction, and anthologies of folklore.
So, in February 2020 I packed up and moved country. I got into my apartment in March… and almost immediately started lockdown. Definitely not how I imagined my triumphant return!
The transition was much harder than I expected, but it has leveled out. I’m glad to be settled and knee-deep in books. And I’m very, very glad I brought my dog with me!
The UKLA Award
I was blown away to find out The Eleventh Trade had been nominated for the UKLA Book Awards, which are the only awards to be judged entirely by teachers looking for texts that can “enhance all aspects of literacy learning”. And then in July, The Eleventh Trade won for the 7-10+ category! (Pictured above: My parents and I live streaming the award ceremony together. 2020 is a weird year, ya’ll.)
According to the press release: “Judges admired the light touch and sensitive handling of the horrors that refugee Sami fled from and helping children understand the barriers he faces in a ‘safe’ country.”
I still can hardly believe it! You can catch my short thank-you speech here.
The Invisible Boy (Book 2!)
This month, my second book came out! I’m so please to be able to share The Invisible Boy with the world. Check out the blurb below:
If no one sees him, does he exist? This superhero-inspired adventure story explores friendship and what it means to be a truly brave.
Nadia finds adventure in the pages of her Superman comic books, until a mysterious boy saves her dog from drowning during a storm and then disappears. Now she finds herself in the role of Lois Lane, hunting down the scoop of the Invisible Boy, and suddenly she’s in a real-life adventure that’s far more dangerous than anything in her comic books.
It’s been awesome seeing this book already resonate with audiences. Just check out these reviews!
“The Invisible Boy addresses a serious topic through an engaging story, encouraging a conversation around a difficult and important subject.” – LoveReading4Kids (full review)
“Topical subplots involving children’s right to privacy in parenting blogs and health care for veterans are thoughtfully incorporated, while Nadia’s frequently humorous denseness imparts levity, echoed in Lee’s single-page comics-style panels. A layered exploration of a challenging subject, including an epilogue detailing warning signs of child trafficking and an author’s note.” – Publisher’s Weekly (full review)
“A grim reality approachably and even engagingly presented.” – Kirkus (full review)
“Addressing the serious subject of modern slavery, this engaging story encourages the difficult conversations that need to happen if we are to have any chance of exposing and eliminating it.” – Booktrust (full review)
Teachers can find a discussion guide and activities pages under my resources. I’ve also updated my 2020-2021 school visit policies! You can have me on your very own screen!
That’s all for now! But I’m wishing you a good end to a weird year, wherever you’re at!
