A CASTLEMAINE author has been honoured at the Children’s Book Council Young Readers Book of the Year awards.
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Susan Green received one of two Honour Book awards for her adventure tale The Truth About Verity Sparks.
Mrs Green, who works at Stoneman’s Bookroom in Castlemaine, said she was surprised when she found out the book had been shortlisted.
“The CBC shortlisted books are always ordered by our local schools and I was in the back office checking the website with that in mind when I read my own name,” she said.
“You could have heard my scream right through the entire shop.”
But there was more excitement to come.
“Being shortlisted felt like winning anyway,” she said.
“There were 168 submissions and many fantastic books, and so it’s a huge thrill to win silver.”
The Minister for Early Childhood and Childcare Kate Ellis presented the award at a ceremony in Adelaide.
The Truth About Verity Sparks is Ms Green’s 10th published book, which follows the journey of a 13-year-old orphan named Verity who has a near perfect memory and supernatural skills.
Verity uses her abilities to solve mysteries in 1878 London.
The CBC judges said the book was “an excellent introduction to gaslamp fantasy... a delightful romp through the Victorian era, with engaging characters and a twisty plot that is sure to entertain”.
Mrs Green said the recognition of her peers meant a lot to her but it was her readers’ feedback that was most touching.
“I’ve had lovely feedback about my character Verity from children in schools and also in the bookshop,” she said.
“Verity is funny, brave, sensible and smart.
“She rises above danger, poverty and all sorts of challenges and I’m not giving away too much to say that there’s a happy ending.”
Sequel The Trouble With Verity Sparks is due out in January.