Big news: I am absolutely thrilled to announce that my historical novel for middle-grade readers, Bold Ben Hall (Walker Books), has been shortlisted for the 2025 NSW History Awards, in the Young People’s Category.

Such exciting news and such lovely and delightfully unexpected recognition for this novel which I so much enjoyed writing and researching!

Thank you so much to the judges and the State Library, and congratulations to all fellow shortlistees!

Many thanks also to my wonderful agent, Margaret Connolly, and to the fabulous team at Walker Books! And special thanks to Clare Hallifax, former publisher at Walker Books, who never forgot a conversation we had about Ben Hall years ago

The full shortlist for the Awards has just been publicly announced by the State Library of NSW, and you can find all the details here: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/news/shortlists-announced-2025-nsw-history-awards

Photos courtesy of the State Library of NSW.