Susin Nielsen facts for kids

Susin Nielsen (born in 1964) is a popular Canadian author. She writes exciting books for children, teens, and young adults. Her stories often explore important topics like friendship, family, and growing up.

In 2012, Susin Nielsen won the Governor General's Award for English-language children's literature. She also received the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children Award in 2013. Both awards were for her novel The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen. This book tells the story of a boy dealing with a very difficult situation. In 2019, she was honored with the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People.

About Susin Nielsen

Susin Nielsen grew up in Ontario, Canada. She lived in both London and Chatham-Kent. She is married to Goran Fernlund and they have one child, Oscar.

Susin Nielsen's Writing Journey

Susin Nielsen started her career writing for television. She wrote scripts for the famous Degrassi TV shows. She also wrote books based on the series. You might even know her from Degrassi Junior High, where she played Louella Hawkins the Janitor!

After Degrassi, Susin wrote for other Canadian TV shows. These included Heartland, What About Mimi?, and Braceface. During this time, she also wrote three picture books for younger children. These books were Hank and Fergus, Mormor Moves In, and The Magic Beads.

Her First Novels

Susin Nielsen's first independent novel was Word Nerd. This book talks about how to deal with bullying. She explored similar themes in The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen. Many of her books show how family changes can affect children.

Her 2015 book, We Are All Made of Molecules, was also very popular. It tells the story of two step-siblings learning to get along. This book was a finalist for the Governor General's Award.

Susin Nielsen's books are enjoyed by readers around the world. They have been translated into many languages. These include Dutch, French, Portuguese, Italian, German, and Polish.

Her 2021 book, Tremendous Things, was nominated for an award in 2022. It was a nominee for the Ontario Library Association's Red Maple Award for Fiction.

Awards and Special Recognition

Susin Nielsen has received many awards for her amazing writing. In 2019, she won the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People. This award celebrates Canadian writers and illustrators. It honors those whose work inspires young people.

Two of her books have been chosen as Junior Library Guild selections. These are No Fixed Address (2018) and Tremendous Things (2021). Being a Junior Library Guild selection means the books are highly recommended.

In 2015, several well-known publications praised We Are All Made of Molecules. The Globe and Mail, Kirkus Reviews, Quill & Quire, and The Telegraph all listed it as one of the best young adult novels of the year.

Major Awards for Susin Nielsen's Books