Marcus Sedgwick author page

Marcus Sedgwick biography

Marcus Sedgwick (8 April 1968 – 15 November 2022) was a British author and illustrator renowned for his contributions to children’s and young adult literature. Over his career, he authored more than 40 books, encompassing novels, picture books, and graphic novels, many of which received critical acclaim and numerous awards.

Born in Preston, Kent, Sedgwick was raised in East Kent. He pursued studies in mathematics and politics at the University of Bath. Before dedicating himself to writing, he worked as a bookseller and in sales for children’s publishers. His debut novel, Floodland (2000), a dystopian tale addressing climate change, won the Branford Boase Award for best debut children’s novel.

Sedgwick’s subsequent works continued to garner accolades. My Swordhand Is Singing (2006), inspired by Eastern European vampire folklore, won the Booktrust Teenage Prize. Midwinterblood (2011), a novel consisting of interconnected stories spanning different time periods, received the Michael L. Printz Award in 2014. Other notable titles include Revolver (2009) and The Ghosts of Heaven (2015), both of which earned Printz Honor distinctions.

In addition to his novels, Sedgwick co-authored graphic novels with his brother, Julian Sedgwick, such as Dark Satanic Mills and Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black. He also contributed to children’s series like The Raven Mysteries and Elf Girl and Raven Boy, and wrote non-fiction works exploring various themes.

Sedgwick’s literary contributions were recognised with multiple award nominations, including five for the Carnegie Medal and two for the Edgar Allan Poe Award. He served as Writer in Residence at Bath Spa University and taught creative writing at institutions like the Arvon Foundation and Ty Newydd. His involvement in the literary community extended to judging panels for awards such as the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize and the Costa Book Awards.

Marcus Sedgwick passed away unexpectedly in November 2022 at the age of 54. His works continue to be celebrated for their imaginative storytelling and exploration of complex themes, leaving a lasting impact on readers and the field of children’s literature.