Catherine Jinks

Catherine Jinks is a Very Big Deal in Australia, and Harcourt is clearly hoping that her book Evil Genius (the focus of one of our Bok of the Week reviews) will be equally successful here in the States--we're talking one seriously shiny hardback edition. Jinks's book isn't for the faint of heart, but it's a great choice for older kids with a bloodthirsty streak.

Aftertaste:
Jinks has apparently won a mess of awards in Australia, including (according to her website) "the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award (three times), the Victorian Premier’s Award, the Aurealis Award for Science Fiction, the Australian Ibby Award, and the Davitt Award for Crime Fiction". She's a fun writer, but such a huge pile of awards leaves one thinking that there must be some awfully slim pickings in Australia.

Availability:
Everywhere.

Other Recommendations:
The Artemis Fowl books, by Eoin Colfer

The Debt to Pleasure, by John Lanchester (for older teens and adult readers)

Website:
http://www.catherinejinks.com/ -