Ann Kelley facts for kids

Ann Kelley (born 17 December 1941) is a British writer. She is best known for her exciting children's books. Her book The Burying Beetle was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award. Another book, The Bower Bird, won the Costa Children's Book of the Year. Before writing novels, Ann also published collections of her poetry and photographs.

Ann Kelley's Story

Ann Kelley's first two novels, The Burying Beetle and The Bower Bird, tell the story of Gussie. Gussie is a 12-year-old girl who has a rare heart condition called pulmonary atresia. Even with her illness, Gussie is full of life and loves to learn new things. She tries to live every day to the fullest.

The character of Gussie was inspired by Ann's own son, Nathan Kelley. He had the same heart condition. When Nathan was born, doctors thought he wouldn't live long. But Nathan proved them wrong! He grew up to be a very smart student. He loved marine life and even discovered two new fish cancers when he was only 16. These discoveries were officially recorded at the U.S. Smithsonian Institution.

Nathan went on to study biology and space sciences at Reading University and University College London. Sadly, he passed away at age 24 in December 1985. This was just one week after he received a heart and lung transplant.

Ann started writing poetry many years after Nathan's death. She published The Poetry Remedy in 1999 and Paper Whites in 2001. Her first novel, The Burying Beetle, came out in 2005. Another poetry book, Because We Have Reached That Place, was published in 2006.

Her book, The Bower Bird, won the 2007 Costa Book Awards Children's Book of the Year.

Ann has shared why she writes her books: "Gussie just came to me. I don't write for children, I write for a reader. It's a look into the mind of a child with a long-term illness. She has to find a way to live her short life fully."

Ann also explained that Gussie is not exactly her son. Gussie is a mix of different people, including Ann's daughter, granddaughter, son, and herself. But mostly, Gussie is her own unique character. Ann's son knew that even with a successful transplant, he might only have a few more years. But he was very happy to have that chance.

Ann believes this is why she writes about Gussie. She wants people to understand how important it is to be an organ donor. She encourages everyone to consider becoming one.

Ann has won several awards for her poetry. She has also taught poetry writing classes from her home. She even teaches special poetry units to medical students. Ann also speaks about her work with patients at medical conferences. She is an honorary teaching fellow at Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, which is part of the University of Exeter and Plymouth.

Her photography collections include Born and Bred (1988) and Sea Front (2005).

Ann Kelley has a daughter named Caroline and two grandchildren. She lives with her second husband in St Ives, Cornwall.

Ann Kelley's Books and Works

Novels

• The Burying Beetle, 2005 ISBN: 1-905222-08-4
• The Bower Bird, 2007 ISBN: 1-906307-32-6
• Inchworm, 2008
• Koh Tabu, 2010
• Lost Girls, 2012
• Runners, 2013
• Last Days in Eden, 2017

Poetry

• The Poetry Remedy, 1999
• Paper Whites (poetry and photography), 2001
• Because We Have Reached That Place, 2006

Photography

• Born and Bred, 1988
• Sea Front, 2005
• The Light at St. Ives, 2010

Audio books

• Nine Lives: Cat Tales