Jennifer Beck (writer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jennifer Beck
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Beck in 2015
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| Born | 9 December 1939 Auckland, New Zealand |
| Occupation | Writer |
Jennifer Lillian Beck ONZM (born 9 December 1939) is a famous New Zealand writer. She has written over 50 exciting books for children! Many of her stories are about history, peace, and war, and they have won many cool awards. She lives in Auckland, New Zealand.
About Jennifer Beck
Jennifer grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, in a big family. They loved to make their own fun by creating plays, games, and word puzzles. Reading library books, drawing, and painting were also big parts of her childhood.
She went to Waipu District High School, Auckland Teachers’ College, and the University of Auckland. She studied hard and became a teacher and a psychologist. In 2003, she decided to become a full-time writer. Since then, she has written more than 50 books for kids and schools!
Many of her books, like The Bantam and the Soldier, Stefania's Dancing Slippers, Remember that November, Torty and the Soldier, and The Anzac Violin, tell stories about history and war. Remember that November was even chosen to represent New Zealand at a special book festival in South Korea in 2007!
In 2023, she shared her own life story in a book called Bits of String Too Short to Use.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Jennifer Beck's books have won many prizes and awards. Several of her books have been chosen as Storylines Notable Books.
Her book, The Bantam and The Soldier, which she wrote and Robyn Belton illustrated, won the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards in 1997. It was even named the Book of the Year! People called it a "remarkable children’s (anti-)war story."
In 2006, Jennifer won the Children's Choice Award for her book Nobody's Dog, illustrated by Lindy Fisher. This award is special because thousands of children across New Zealand voted for their favorite book!
In 2015, Jennifer and Robyn Belton worked together as special writers-in-residence at the University of Otago. During this time, they created The Anzac Violin. This story was inspired by a real violin that belonged to Alexander Aitken, which you can see at Otago Boys' High School.
Also in 2015, Jennifer was given a special honor called the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This award recognized her amazing work and contributions to children's literature.
