In 1987, I was awarded the Carnegie Medal for my book, 'The Ghost Drum'.
I was aware that I'd been short-listed for the award, but the other authors on the list were all so good that I assumed I hadn't a chance and forgot all about it.
The phone call that told me I'd won was therefore a complete surprise, and a delight.
In 1997, I won The Guardian Children's Fiction Award for 'The Sterkarm Handshake'.
For more about the Carnegie Medal, and a complete list of the winners back to 1936, click here.
To read the first chapter of 'Ghost Drum', click here
Last modified: Tuesday, 5 May 2009, 05:59 PM