Meeting Jarrah & Mathilde

After months of planning, I finally met Mathilde and Jarrah - the real life kids who inspired August & Jones! They are every bit as lovely, smart and kind as their fictional versions and it was such a pleasure to share a very special launch with them and their families. We all got to talk about the book, sign copies and get to know each other better over a relaxed lunch at a local cafe. Huge thanks to my publicist Emily for all her wrangling and all the news outlets who covered the event. You can read more about it on the ABC website. I was so touched by Jarrah and Mathilde’s special gift to me - a letter written in braille.



Introducing August & Jones

August & Jones tells the story of two 11-year-olds who embark on an adventurous ‘Must-See’ bucket list when one of them is diagnosed with a rare eye cancer that threatens their sight. Together, August and Jones face a difficult year, but manage to run over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, climb Australia’s highest mountain, see a world famous musical, go to an unforgettable art exhibit, and meet a rare monkey baby.

It’s about an amazing, supportive friendship between two kids with opposite personalities and interests. Jones is athletic, determined and loves the outdoors. August is bookish, shy, and wishes he didn’t have to play footy in the team coached by his dad.

Why was I inspired to write August & Jones?

In 2019, I read a newspaper story about Victorian children Mathilde Cross and Jarrah Podesta in the Sydney Morning Herald ‘Two of Us’ column. Jarrah explained how he had lost his sight to retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, and how Mathilde had become his best friend and guide at school. They were funny and sweet and like many other readers, I was struck by their beautiful, supportive friendship, resilience, kindness and courage.

I thought at the time that a middle grade novel that could portray a bond like these two remarkable kids shared would be very special. I didn’t think I’d write it! A year or so later, I had a second book contracted to write for my publisher Hachette and I was still drawn to the idea. I began to write a book that I hoped would capture a little of Jarrah and Mathilde’s special friendship and sense of adventure.

In telling the story, I embarked on extensive medical research into children’s eye cancer, vision loss and blindness, talking to pediatric oncologists and a children’s cancer researcher. I also worked with sensitivity reader and writer, Olivia Muscat, who loved the story, but offered invaluable advice on what she describes as the “ins and outs” of being blind and living with disability. If anyone needs a brilliant consulting reader Olivia can be found on her website oliviamuscat.com

It wasn’t until I had a finished rough draft that I approached the Cross and Podesta families to tell them Mathilde and Jarrah had loosely inspired the characters of August and Jones. I wanted to be certain it would be published and ensure my research was spot on. I heard back very quickly and both families were thrilled and very supportive of the book. Mathilde and Jarrah (now in high school) have both read the book and made a few editorial suggestions that I was able to incorporate! We all launched the book together at Castlemaine Library in 2022.   

Who is August & Jones for?

This is a realistic contemporary novel for children aged 9+…it’s the perfect follow on from The Little Wave or Wonder. It’s got action and adventure, funny parts, sad parts, and a hopeful, uplifting ending that will leave young readers feeling inspired to make their own bucket list and go on an adventure with a friend!

Double Bill with Zana Fraillon!

VERY excited that I can now talk about a special event in Melbourne with fellow MG author Zana Fraillion.

Two Award Winning Writers for Middle Grade Readers in Conversation
Zana Fraillon’s The Way of Dog
A fiercely original verse novel illustrated by Sean Buckingham
and
Pip Harry’s August & Jones
An extraordinary novel of the magic of friendship

Saturday August 6th from 3.00pm until 4.30pm
At Streamline Publishing and Gallery, 22, Commercial Place, Eltham 3095
Entry: $25.00 includes one copy of the featured books and refreshments.



Buddha Shortlisted for NSW Premier's Awards!

Very thrilled that Are You There, Buddha? has been shortlisted in the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards in the Ethel Turner Prize. Here are the judges comments:

This verse novel is accessible to readers of all stages. There is precision in its simplicity, and it rewards repeat readings. Characters are well-drawn and relationships develop in interesting and satisfying ways. Are You There, Buddha? balances the light and dark of taking bold first steps into teendom.

The other shortlisted books in both the children’s and young adult categories are brilliant, bold and brave pieces of writing and illustration. Congratulations all! Looking forward to the winners announcement and a bit of a party in May. More here

Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature ($30,000)

  • Me, Microbes and I (Philip Bunting, HGCP)

  • My Brother Ben (Peter Carnavas, UQP)

  • Bear and Rat (Christopher Cheng, illus by Stephen Michael King, Puffin)

  • Dragon Skin (Karen Foxlee, A&U)

  • Always (Morris Gleitzman, Puffin)

  • Bindi (Kirli Saunders, Magabala)

Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature ($30,000)

  • Waking Romeo (Kathryn Barker, A&U)

  • Girls in Boys’ Cars (Felicity Castagna, Pan)

  • The Gaps (Leanne Hall, Text)

  • Are You There, Buddha? (Pip Harry, Lothian)

  • Tiger Daughter (Rebecca Lim, A&U)

  • Henry Hamlet’s Heart (Rhiannon Wilde, UQP)