Catherine Johnson (novelist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Catherine Johnson
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Johnson in 2023
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| Born | Sylvia Hope Ruxton 1962 (age 62–63) London, England |
| Occupation | Novelist and screenwriter |
| Education | St Martin's School of Art |
Catherine Johnson is a talented British author and screenwriter. Born in 1962, she is known for writing many exciting books. She has written several novels especially for young adults. Catherine also helped write the script for the 2004 movie Bullet Boy.
Contents
Discovering Catherine Johnson
Catherine Johnson was born in London, England. Her father was from Jamaica, and her mother was Welsh. She grew up in North London. As a student, she studied film at St Martin's School of Art. Later, she decided to become a writer.
Her Amazing Books
Catherine Johnson's first book was The Last Welsh Summer. It was published in 1993. Since then, she has written over 20 novels. Two of her books for children are about the brave Arctic explorer Matthew Henson.
Many of her books have won special recognition. In 1999, her book Landlocked was named an International Youth Library White Raven book. This award highlights excellent children's and young adult literature.
Awards and Recognition
Catherine Johnson has received several awards for her writing. In 2014, her book Sawbones won the Young Quills Award. This award is for the best historical fiction for readers over 12. Sawbones was also nominated for other book prizes.
In 2019, her book Freedom won the Little Rebels Award. This award celebrates children's fiction that encourages social justice and equality.
Here are some of the awards Catherine Johnson's books have received:
- 1999: IBBY White Raven Award - Landlocked
- 1999: Wales Book of the Year Award (shortlist) - Landlocked
- 2002: Hampshire Book Award (shortlist) - Stella
- 2008: Leeds Book of the Year Award (shortlist) - A Nest of Vipers
- 2008: Phoenix Book Award (shortlist) - A Nest of Vipers
- 2009: Birmingham KS3 Chills Award (shortlist) - Arctic Hero
- 2014: Young Quills Award for best historical fiction for over-12s – Sawbones
- 2019: Little Rebels Award for Radical Children's Fiction — Freedom
Helping Other Writers
Catherine Johnson also helps other writers. She has been a Royal Literary Fund Fellow. This means she supported students at the London Institute with their writing. She also worked as a Writer in Residence at Holloway Prison. This role helps people in prison with their creative writing.
She has also been involved in children's literature festivals. In 2017, she was a judge for the Jhalak Prize. This award celebrates books by writers of color in the UK. In 2019, Catherine was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. This is a great honor for writers.
Catherine Johnson also contributed to the 2019 book New Daughters of Africa. This collection features writings by African women and women of African heritage.
