Ally Kennen facts for kids

Ally Kennen is a British writer, born in 1975. She is known for her exciting adventure stories. Many of her books are for children and teenagers. Some of her stories are even called thrillers or horror fiction. This means they are full of suspense and sometimes a bit scary!

Ally grew up on a farm in Somerset, England. This area is called Exmoor. Later, she studied Archaeology and History at the University of Birmingham.

Becoming a Writer

Ally Kennen's first book was called Beast. She wrote it while studying Creative Writing at Bath Spa University. It was published in 2006. British librarians thought Beast was so good that they chose it as a finalist for the Carnegie Medal. This is a very important award for children's books in the UK. The judges suggested Beast for readers aged 12 and up.

Her fourth book, Sparks, came out in 2010. It was chosen for the longlist of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. This award celebrates new British children's novels. The judges recommended Sparks for readers aged 9 and older. The story is about three children who follow their grandfather's unusual funeral wishes. This mission puts them against their family and even the law!

In 2012, Ally Kennen's book Bullet Boys also made the Guardian Prize longlist. The Guardian newspaper even named it their "teen book of the month." This book was recommended for readers aged 14 and up.

Ally Kennen's Books

• Beast (2006)
• Berserk (2007)
• Bedlam (2009)
• Sparks (2010)
• The Hedgehog Mystery (2011)
• Quarry (2011)
• Bullet Boys (2012)
• Daybreak (2012)
• Midnight Pirates (2013)
• How To Speak Spook (And Stay Alive) (2015)

Awards and Recognition

Ally Kennen has won several awards for her books.

• Beast won the Manchester Book Award in 2007.
• Berserk won a North East Teenage Book Award in 2008.

Her books have also been nominated for many other important awards:

• Beast was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the Branford Boase Award.
• Berserk was nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
• Bedlam was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and made several shortlists.
• Quarry was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and made several shortlists.
• Bullet Boys was on the longlist for the Guardian Prize.