AN author met some of her readers ahead of a major book event.
Ali Lewis’ debut novel, Everybody Jam, has been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal children’s book award.
Yesterday, the former Northern Echo reporter visited Allertonshire School, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, to speak to students.
The novel is set in the Australian outback and tells the story of teenager Danny, who is struggling to come to terms with the death of his older brother.
Her inspiration came from time spent working on an Australian cattle farm.
Ms Lewis, from Thirlby, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, said: “When you write books, it is very solitary; you are on your own and do not have that interaction with anybody.
“So afterwards, to get this opportunity to meet with people who have read your book and hear their feedback is great. They had some really great questions and ideas.”
The medal winner will be announced on July 5.
The book has also been shortlisted for this year’s Branford Boase Award, given to an outstanding debut novel for children.
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