
The YABBA Awards (Young Australians’ Best Book Awards) and KOALA Awards (Kids Own Australian Literature Awards) have been announced for another year and I’m super-proud that my novel The Fall has won the years 7-9 category. Big thanks to all the children and teens in Victoria and NSW who voted for the book. It’s such a fine thing when a story finds its audience. Thanks also to everyone at Penguin Random House Australia who edited, promoted and distributed the book. And congrats to Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Aaron Blabey and Andy Lee who won the other categories. I’m about to deliver the next book, Detention, to my publisher this Friday, so I’d better make it good.

Hi Tristan,
I work for the Ed Dept and drive a Merc Sprinter full of books to 9 small schools in East Gippsland, Victoria.
While at each school I take each class for a literature focused lesson.
I am excited to be using The Fall as a focus for the Senior groups (years 5&6) at the beginning of 2019.
Your website is amazing and full of great information that I can use in my classes.
I have also discovered Magpies through you.
Thank you for your inspiration.
Author
Hi Deborah
That’s great to hear. Good luck with The Fall. It seems to work for readers but also those kids who are usually less keen. I’m sure you’ve seen it but here is the teacher’s kit: https://www.tristanbancks.com/teachers and some short writing tips videos: https://www.tristanbancks.com/2018/08/writing-tips-for-kids-1-of-5.html
I’d love to hear how you get on.
Best,
Tristan.