Lisa Shanahan

Lisa Shanahan is an Australian children’s author. Ms. Shanahan trained as an actor, and she’s heavily into drama—and (for once) we mean that in a straightforward, non-Oprah-esque way. Her book The Sweet, Terrible, Glorious Year I Truly, Completely Lost It features a very entertaining plot thread about a school performance of The Tempest, and is one of our Featured Book picks.

Note: The Sweet, Terrible, Glorious Year I Truly, Completely Lost It is remarkably controversy-free. Apart from one domestic violence scene and the death of a minor character, there’s nothing in it that would raise even the most judgmental parental eyebrow—making it the perfect gift for, say, your overprotected teenage cousin.

Aftertaste:
See the review.

Availability:
Everywhere.

Other Recommendations:
The Adrian Mole books, by Sue Townsend

Truth or Dairy and Wurst Case Scenario, by Catherine Clark