Featured Author: Melina Marchetta

Melina Marchetta was born in Sydney. Her first novel, Looking For Alibrandi was awarded the Children's Book Council of Australia award in 1993 and her second novel, Saving Francesca won the same award in 2004. Looking For Alibrandi was made into a major film in 2000 and won the Australian Film Institute Award for best Film and best adapted screen play, also written by the Marchetta. 




On the Jellicoe Road was released in 2006 and won the US Printz Medal in 2009 for excellence in YA literature. This was followed up by Finnikin of the Rock in 2008 which won the Aurealis Award for YA fantasy, The Piper's Son in 2010 which was shortlisted for the Qld Premier's Lit Award, NSW Premier's Lit Award, Prime Minister's Literary Awards, CBC awards and longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award. Her follow up to Finnikin, Froi of the Exiles and Quintana of Charyn were released in 2012 and 2013.

In the following mini-doco, Melina Marchetta talks candidly about her life as an author, giving us insight into herself and the books she has created that have resonated with young people the world over. From dropping out of school at fifteen, to a highly successful career as an author for young adults, Marchetta's story will definitely inspire you!! We have lots of her books here in the library - click here to see what's available!