Before I was an author I … worked with children as an integration aide and a primary school teacher. I also spent a year in rural China teaching ESL at a university.
I started writing because… it’s something I have always done. I then discovered the joy in creating picture books with my young children. Two of these were published, and I went on from there.
The Bone Sparrow was inspired by… the mandatory and indefinite detention of asylum seekers, including children, in Australia. An article about a child born in detention horrified me. This was something I had to write about.
Describe The Bone Sparrow in one sentence: a story of survival and bravery, which reminds us of the importance and power of hope and the strength of the human spirit.
When I’m not writing I… read and try to find space to put another bookshelf.
In-house review ... The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon
Zana Fraillon has written an extremely important reminder of the true story of refugee detention here in our own country.
5 Minutes With ... Sophie Hardcastle
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Date a Book Showcase Digital Goodie Bag
Chapter samples, extra video content and more!
Read an excerpt from Ali Hazelwood's new book
Start reading Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood, out 8 November 2023.