Susin Nielsen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Susin Nielsen
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|---|---|
| Born | 1964 (age 60–61) |
| Occupation | Author |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Notable awards | |
| Spouse | Goran Fernlund |
| Children | 1 |
Susin Nielsen (born 1964) is a Canadian author who writes books for children and teenagers. She is known for her engaging stories that often explore important topics. Susin Nielsen has won many awards for her writing.
In 2012, she received the Governor General's Award for English-language children's literature. The next year, she won the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children Award. Both awards were for her young adult novel The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen. This book explores how a character deals with difficult events. In 2019, she was honored with the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People.
Contents
About Susin Nielsen's Life
Susin Nielsen grew up in Ontario, Canada. She lived in both London and Chatham-Kent.
She is married to Goran Fernlund. They have one child named Oscar.
Susin Nielsen's Writing Journey
Susin Nielsen started her writing career in television. She wrote scripts for the popular Degrassi TV shows. She also wrote books based on the series. Fun fact: she even acted in Degrassi Junior High as Louella Hawkins, the janitor!
After Degrassi, she 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 are Hank and Fergus, Mormor Moves In, and The Magic Beads.
Exploring Important Themes in Books
Susin Nielsen's first novel was Word Nerd. This book talks about the challenges of bullying. She returned to this important topic in The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen. Her stories often show how children cope when their families face big changes.
Her 2015 book, We Are All Made of Molecules, was very popular. It's about two step-siblings learning to get along. This book was also a finalist for the 2015 Governor General's Awards.
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 also recognized. It was nominated for the 2022 Ontario Library Association's Red Maple Award for Fiction.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Susin Nielsen has received many awards for her amazing work. These awards celebrate her stories that inspire young people.
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 has been truly "inspirational to Canadian youth."
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, her book We Are All Made of Molecules was listed as one of the best young adult novels of the year. It was recognized by major publications like The Globe and Mail, Kirkus Reviews, Quill & Quire, and The Telegraph.
Key Awards for Susin Nielsen's Books
Susin Nielsen has won many awards for her novels. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- 2010: Word Nerd won the Forest of Reading Red Maple Award and the Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award.
- 2010: Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom won the INDIES Award for Juvenile Fiction.
- 2011: Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom won the Snow Willow Award.
- 2012: Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom won the Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award and the Rocky Mountain Book Award.
- 2012: The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen won the prestigious Governor General's Award for English-language children's literature.
- 2013: The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen won the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children Award and the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award.
- 2014: The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen won the Forest of Reading Red Maple Award.
- 2016: We Are All Made of Molecules won the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award.
- 2019: No Fixed Address won the IODE Violet Downey Book Award and the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize.
- 2020: No Fixed Address won the Forest of Reading Red Maple Award.
