The author, who has spent most of her life teaching and writing novels for children, sent a random tidbit to her publisher and soon found herself writing her first historical novel, We are Wolves.

"I'd heard about the term 'wolfskinder' somewhere and once I researched it, I found the riveting story of children left to fend for themselves in the forests of Prussia after the Germans invaded in the 1940s," Ms Nannestad said.

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"I just thought it was so interesting, so I sent the information to my publisher and she wanted me to turn it into a novel."

From there, the story of Liesl, Otto and baby Mia Wolf was born.

We are Wolves follows the children as they flee their home in East Prussia and learn to live wild, competing with thousands of other displaced war orphans who roam the forests and fringe farmlands of their conquered homeland.

And it was this compelling story that earned her a spot on the Historical Novel Prize shortlist.

"I am delighted and honoured that We Are Wolves has been shortlisted for the ARA Historical Novel Prize in the CYA category," Ms Nannestad said.

Other stories:

"This is a wonderful prize that celebrates historical fiction and is a great encouragement those who write it.

"Historical novels bring history alive for our young readers."

Children and Young Adult category judge Catherine Mayo said she was moved by the book.

"This is a simply and beautifully written, deeply moving account of survival," she said.

"It's a testing of faith. Who and what can you trust? Can a 12-year-old girl turn her back on the huge propaganda machine of the German Reich?

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"And it's a debate about identity. How much can you change - and be changed - and still be true to yourself?"

The 2021 ARA Historical Novel Prize Winners will be announced at the HNSA virtual conference on October 22.

For more information about the awards and to see last year's winners, please visit the HNSA website.

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