Ann Kelley
The Bower Bird
Gussie is awaiting news of a heart transplant operation. When Gussie moves from the coast to a new house in town, she rebels, discovers her ancestors and an interest in photography, falls in love and has parent troubles; all whilst experiencing general adolescent angst and trying not to wait for what might never happen.
THE BOWER BIRD is the winner of the prestigious 2007 Costa Children’s Book Award.
“The author as artist evokes people and places with delicacy, humour and truth – a novel of outstanding beauty… The world of life and death, beauty and truth seen through the eyes of a 12-year-old girl – a rare and beautiful book of lasting quality – we felt that this is a voice that needs to be heard and read.” The 2007 Costa Book Award Judges
The Bower Bird
Ann Kelley
Luath Press
10+ years
200 pp
1 title
Proprietor: Luath Press
Rights Available: World English excl. UK
Ann Kelley
The Burying Beetle
Things are not going well for 12-year-old Gussie. Her parents have just divorced. Her much loved grandparents recently died within days of each other. Her own life could end at any time, and she knows it. Gussie was born with a rare, life-threatening heart disease.
To reduce the strain on Gussie’s health, she and her mother move from London to a lonely cottage on the Cornish coast. With little else to do but read the old nature books found in the cottage, Gussie learns about the burying beetle. As she searches the countryside for the elusive insect, Gussie is forced to confront her mortality and, like the burying beetle, bury things past and live.
Shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2006 for an outstanding first novel to a first-time writer of a book for young people. Rich in everyday disappointments and pleasures, THE BURYING BEETLE is an inspiring celebration of life.
The Burying Beetle
Ann Kelley
Luath Press
10+ years
200 pp
1 title
Proprietor: Luath Press
Rights Available: World English excl. UK
