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Melina Marchetta
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Melina Marchetta

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Melina Marchetta is an internationally bestselling and award-winning author in more than twenty countries and eighteen languages. Her eighteen books range from beloved young adult fiction and fantasy through to contemporary and crime fiction, and works for younger readers. Her much-loved Australian classic Looking for Alibrandi swept the pool of literary awards when it was published, and was also released as a film, adapted by Marchetta, winning an AFI Award and an Independent Film Award for best screenplay, as well as the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Award and the Film Critics Circle of Australia Award. In 2009 Marchetta won the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award from the American Library Association. Her most recent novel is The Place on Dalhousie. She lives in Sydney.

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'A master storyteller.'

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Article
Why everyone is obsessed with Melina Marchetta (again)

Melina Marchetta is having a moment in 2022. Find out what the author has been doing and learn about recent developments regarding her beloved debut novel, Looking for Alibrandi.

Article
7 of the best chapter books for ages 6-9

Seven amazing chapter books for children ages 6-9.

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Australia’s top 10 kids’ books of 2020

Here are some of the best selling books of the year.

Article
Australia’s top 12 kids books for Christmas 2020

Twelve predictions of Christmas-time bestsellers for preschoolers, juniors and teens.

Video
What Zola Did on Saturday by Melina Marchetta and Deb Hudson | Book trailer

Buy now: https://www.penguin.com.au/books/what-zola-did-on-saturday-9781760895211 A wonderful children’s series celebrating community, friendship and kindness from the bestselling author of Looking for Alibrandi. Fun, heartwarming stories full of mischief and humour, sure to charm and engage newly independent young readers. Zola loves living on Boomerang Street with her mum and her nonna. Every day of the week is an adventure. But Zola has a problem. No matter how much she tries, she can't keep out of trouble. Like on Saturday, when it’s tomato day at Nonna Rosa’s and Zola is helping out . . . Collect all seven stories in the series. One for every day of the week! #WhatZolaDidonSaturday #MelinaMarchetta #DebHudson

Article
Bold, wise and funny girls

The best books for educators to share on International Women’s Day 2021

Article
What Zola Did on Thursday activity pack

Colouring pages, word search and a spot-the-difference.

Article
6 incredible book series to get your 7-year-old hooked on reading

Inspire an eternal love of reading with these accessible series for new readers, featuring large print, fun images, simple vocabulary, and best of all, captivating stories!

Article
The History of Puffin Australia

How a little cartoon bird became the icon of stories for kids.

Article
A new colouring in page every day!

Parents: Click here for 10 minutes of peace. (You're welcome).

Article
Zola activity pack

A beautiful activity pack for Melina Marchetta's new series, What Zola Did

Article
Binge-worthy books: the ten best kids' series that will keep on giving

Just like a good TV show, a beloved book series can lift our mood. Here are some of the best for kids.

Article
Easy activities for kids at home

Keep the kids entertained with these fun book-related ideas. There's an activity book for every age: one for littlies, one for kids and one for grown-ups too!

Article
Puffinalia for educators

Celebrating 80 years of Puffin!

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Melina Marchetta on Zola

Melina Marchetta's new series is perfect for beginner readers.

Article
The Place on Dalhousie book club notes

Discuss community and belonging, families, friendship, grief, hope, love and human connection with your book club.

Article
Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil book club notes

Melina Marchetta’s Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil – a memorable book club choice.

Article
Looking for Alibrandi

Looking for Alibrandi