About the Author

Zana Fraillon was born in Naarm (Melbourne) Australia but spent her early childhood in San Francisco. As a child Zana always had her head in a book. This could have been because she was 8 years-old before anyone realized that she was incredibly near-sighted and probably couldn't see anything further away than the words in a book. But regardless of its origins, her love of reading has remained central to her life and work. 'I grew up in a house that had a whole room full of books and comfy chairs and this was my favourite place to be.'
Zana studied history at university before training to be a primary school teacher and both these passions influence her approach to writing. Through meticulous research she has also discovered that it is essential to eat copious amounts of chocolate in order to write anything at all.

Zana has written two picture books for young children, a series for middle readers and a fictitious book for older readers based on research and recounts of survivors of the Forgotten Generation.

She lives in Naarm with her three children, partner and two dogs and still always has her head in a book, despite now using glasses to see anything further away. When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across Naarm. They provide the same excitement as that moment before opening a new book - preparing to step into the unknown where a whole world of possibilities awaits.

Reviews

This is a tragic, beautifully crafted and wonderful book whose chirpy, stoic hero shames us all. I urge you to read it
*THE INDEPENDENT*

While addressing themes of loss, desperation, and injustice in an all-too-relevant setting, Fraillon's resonant novel underscores the healing power of story.
*Starred Review from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY*

The story of Subhi, sensitively told and immensely moving, gives us a glimpse of what homeless, imprisoned existence life feels like... and how the hope invested in a vision of a better future can end up being the difference between making it out, and surrendering to despair.
*The Big Issue*

Stories can change how people think and this book aims to do just that
*Claire Hennessey, IRISH TIMES*

The Bone Sparrow is already drawing comparisons with The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. The language captures the children's confusion, their hope mixed with worry over their families and dreams of freedom, but the novel doesn't flounder in abject misery when it easily could
*Yorkshire Post*

With an affecting and distinctive narrative voice ... she builds a convincing and complete world. Moving and memorable, The Bone Sparrow deserves to be read by all who care about our common humanity
*The Guardian*

Cleverly imagined and very affecting
*Belfast Telegraph*

Stories can change how people think and this book aims to do just that
*Irish Times*

Deeply moving novel
*Aldershot News & Mail*

A profoundly poignant novel
*Metro (Across UK)*

This year many books have been published that tell sad stories about refugee children -- this is the best
*The Times*

A beautiful story of hope and friendship
*WRD About Books*

This is one of those novels which has to be written despite the pain and horror of its subject matter ... Subhi and Jimmie are drawn together and emotionally sustained by the power of stories and the written word and that's a powerful message
*School Librarian*

You would be hard pushed to find a book more harrowing and relevant than this one ... This book is a tough but beautiful read and is a perfect introduction to a really difficult topic
*Inis*

I think The Bone Sparrow was really good and I would give it 5 stars
*Aquila Magazine*

Lyrical, whimsical and magical, this beautiful book explores the power of storytelling
*WRD About Books*

This story was heartbreaking, wonderful and devastating at the same time ... I would definitely recommend this book
*Teen Titles*

...a special book
*Morris Gleitzman, author of the acclaimed ONCE series*

Outstanding . . . This is an important, heartbreaking book with frequent, unexpected humour, that everyone, whether teenager or adult, should read.
*Guardian*

A contender for the children's book of the year... It is a heartrending tale about how our stories make us, and also an angry polemic, vividly convincing in is detailed description of what it means for your home to be a tent in the dust behind a guarded fence.
*The Sunday Times*

a profoundly poignant novel about what it means to live as a refugee, neither inside nor out
*METRO*

The writing is beautiful and the message of survival and bravery a universal one
*The Bookseller*

Zana Fraillon's powerful and poetic tale of friendship in the face of injustice will fly away with your heart.
*Katharine Marsh, Edgar Award-winning author of THE NIGHT TOURIST*

An incredibly moving and powerful story about hope, freedom and survival. This is such an important topic, and a heart-achingly realistic story - everyone, both teenagers and adults, should read it.
*Waterstones.com*

What a powerful story. Detention camps are no place for children. No place for humans.
*Book Trust*

Think of it as a powerful polemic, yes, but also think of it as a story of the redeeming power of friendship and the vital nature of storytelling
*The Bookbag*

A heart-rending, beautiful story. From the first line I knew that I would be utterly moved by the words written so passionately, weaving a narrative that is at times difficult to read. This is a book that will make change happen
*The Book Activist blog*

This book made me cry in Temple Gardens at page 21. Loving it
*Grass for Dinner Blog*

So beautiful. And so important... encourages empathy. For kids and adults alike!
*The Book Addict blog*

The Bone Sparrow - a vital and necessary book - should be in all schools throughout the UK and in the hand of every politician!
*Sean Edwards, YLG Librarian*

This is an important, heart-breaking book, with frequent,unexpected humour, that everyone, whether teenager or adult, should read
*The Guardian.com*

This is quite simply a heart-rending, beautiful story... the story is woven by an author who is clearly passionately wanting to address an issue that is now so prevalent in our world; surely it cannot be ignored. This is a book that will make change happen.
*Reading Zone*

A heartrending tale about how our stories make us, and also an angry polemic, vividly convincing in its detailed description of what it means for your home to be a tent in the dust behind a guarded fence
*The Sunday Times*

One of those rare, special books that will break your heart with its honesty and beauty, but is ultimately hopeful and uplifting
*Book Trust*

The Bone Sparrow is sweet and wonderful, but possibly the saddest 'camp' book I've ever read.
*BookWitch*