Margaret Mahy author page

Margaret Mahy biography

Margaret Mahy was a New Zealand author known for her extensive contribution to children’s and young adult literature. She began her writing career as a librarian, publishing her first story in the New Zealand School Journal in 1961. Mahy went on to write more than 100 picture books, 40 novels, and 20 collections of short stories, with her works published by a range of international publishers.

Mahy’s writing is characterised by its imaginative storytelling, inventive language, and exploration of themes such as identity, family, and the supernatural. Her books span a variety of genres, including fantasy, adventure, and contemporary fiction. Notable titles include The Haunting (1982), The Changeover (1984), and The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate (1972).

Mahy received numerous awards for her work. She was awarded the Carnegie Medal twice by the Library Association in the United Kingdom: first for The Haunting in 1982, and again for The Changeover in 1984. In 2006, she received the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing, which is the highest international recognition given to an author of children’s books.

Margaret Mahy’s legacy in children’s literature is marked by her prolific output and the enduring popularity of her stories. Her novel The Changeover won the Carnegie Medal in 1984.

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