Mal Peet - Author
Mal Peet (June 1947 – 2 March 2015), winner of the Nestle Bronze Medal Award and the Branford Boase Award grew up in North Norfolk, and studied English and American Studies at the University of Warwick. Later he moved to south-west England and worked at a variety of jobs before turning full-time to writing and illustrating in the early 1990s. With his wife, Elspeth Graham, he wrote and illustrated many educational picture books for young children, and his cartoons appeared in a number of magazines. He and Elspeth lived in Exmouth, Devon.
Tamar won the Carnegie Medal and is a multi-layered tale of love and betrayal. He wrote three other linked novels, Keeper, The Penalty and Exposure, all featuring the football obsessed Paul Faustino, a sports journalist in South America who is reluctantly drawn into murders and mysteries.
Exposure won the 2009 Guardian Award for Children’s Fiction. On his award win, Mal said, “I’m totally thrilled to win the Guardian prize. I’ve been buying the newspaper for 35 years, so I’ve worked for it! In fact, if you subtract the prize money from what I’ve spent at the newsagents, the Guardian is way ahead on the deal! I don’t mind – the Guardian prize is very special. It’s judged by other writers so it’s pretty likely that if you win it, you deserve it.”
He also wrote a critically acclaimed adult novel, The Murdstone Trilogy
June 2018 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: themes of fatherhood, memory and guilt explored in haunting YA novella Mal Peet, who died in 2015, wrote with extraordinary sensitivity and insight and this novella, freshly published by Barrington Stoke, is testimony to his talent. Benjamin finds himself by accident outside his old home and revisits memories of the garden and treehouse that 20 years ago were such a key part of his childhood. His father built the treehouse for him but it quickly changed from being a place of shared stories to something less happy – a hideaway from his mother, a hiding place for his father as he turned away from the outside world. The story is a painful one, years on Ben is still torn by conflicting loyalties, still angry with his father, still guilty for abandoning him. His return brings some new perspectives, but no happy resolution. Emma Shoard’s new illustrations equal the text for rawness, depth and resonance. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 14+ Illustrator, Emma Shoard says: “After much anticipation, I am so happy to be working on this beautiful story by Mal Peet. There is so much depth and reality to the relationship between his characters; I hope to illustrate something of those spacious places he has created in between the lines. The huge, ancient beech tree at the centre of this story is a real treat for an illustrator.” Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
A dramatic, topical novel inspired by Shakespeare's Othello which will appeal to both boys and girls with its themes of football and celebrity culture. Award winning Mal Peet’s Exposure is the third in the gripping trilogy which began with Keeper, about top sports journalist, Paul Faustino. Faustino always has an eye for the good story and when Otello, a national hero with money, an attractive wife and great media profile, makes a sensational club transfer, Faustino is already taking notice. Such high expose puts Otello at risk and when his name is linked to a scandal – all be it wrongly – the power of the press turns against him. As ever, Faustino is an unforgettable character and an excellent commentator on the way the press can both make and destroy reputations. The first in the trilogy was Keeper and the second was The Penalty. Winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2009.
A reissue of the extraordinary debut novel from multi-award winning author Mal Peet. Set in South America, this compelling adventure is told as an interview between a top sports reporter and the world’s greatest goalkeeper. Not just for football fiction fans, this is masterful storytelling at its best. This is the first in this extraordinary football linked trilogy. The second is The Penalty and the final one is Exposure. Keeper was the Winner of the 2004 Branford Boase Award & Winner of the 2004 Bronze Nestle Smarties Book Award.
This is the second novel from Mal Peet that features Paul Faustino, South America’s top sports journalist. It’s a brilliant thriller, beautifully written and the author’s passion for football shines through in the writing. If you’re football mad or want to be a journalist, don’t look further than this book for inspiration. The first in the trilogy is Keeper and the final one is Exposure. Shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2007.
This is the second novel from Mal Peet that features Paul Faustino (the first was Keeper) South America’s top sports journalist. It’s a brilliant thriller, beautifully written and the author’s passion for football shines through in the writing. If you’re football mad or want to be a journalist, don’t look further than this book for inspiration. Now available in audio CD. The first in the trilogy is Keeper and the final one is Exposure. Shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2007.
Winner of the Carnegie Medal 2006.What the judges said: This is an enthralling and multi-layered novel that traces the story of two men caught up in secret operations in World War Two.It looks at the negative impact that war has on those involved and on succeeding generations.Guilt and its ramifications lie at the heart of this well-written and serious novel that skilfully interweaves past and present.
A Lovereading4kids 'Great Read' you may have missed 2011 selection. This is a brilliant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Cold War and events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis. The story is told in flashback by Clem when he is living and working in New York City as a designer, and moves from the past of his parents and grandmother to his own teenage years. Not only the threat of explosions, but actual ones as well, feature throughout in this latest novel from one of the finest writers working today.
Reissued to coincide with the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, this is the extraordinary debut novel from multi-award winning author Mal Peet. Set in South America, this compelling adventure is told as an interview between a top sports reporter and the world’s greatest goalkeeper. Not just for football fiction fans, this is masterful storytelling at its best. This is the first in this extraordinary football linked trilogy. The second is Penalty and the final one is Exposure. Winner of the 2004 Branford Boase Award Winner of the 2004 Bronze Nestle Smarties Book Award Click here to link back to a page featuring all of our World Cup selections.
Winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2009. A dramatic, topical novel inspired by Shakespeare's Othello which will appeal to both boys and girls with its themes of football and celebrity culture. Award winning Mal Peet’s Exposure is the third in the gripping trilogy which began with Keeper, about top sports journalist, Paul Faustino. Faustino always has an eye for the good story and when Otello, a national hero with money, an attractive wife and great media profile, makes a sensational club transfer, Faustino is already taking notice. Such high expose puts Otello at risk and when his name is linked to a scandal – all be it wrongly – the power of the press turns against him. As ever, Faustino is an unforgettable character and an excellent commentator on the way the press can both make and destroy reputations. The first in the trilogy was Keeper and the second was Penalty.
This is the audio CD version of the novel The Penalty from Mal Peet that features Paul Faustino (the first was Keeper) South America’s top sports journalist. It’s a brilliant thriller, beautifully told and the author’s passion for football shines through in the writing. If you’re football mad or want to be a journalist, don’t look further than this book/CD for inspiration.
This extraordinary, gripping tale pulses with the rhythms of football and the rainforest. Teenagers will love it but football loving adults will as well. It pours with mystery and suspense, will have you riveted to the page and the great twist at the end will come like a bolt out of the blue. This is the first in this extraordinary football linked trilogy. The second is Penalty and the final one is Exposure. Winner of the 2004 Branford Boase Award Winner of the 2004 Bronze Nestle Smarties Book Award
Sandie has been battling it since childhood: the hulking, snarling black dog of her nightmares. For years, her precious pet dog Rabbie has kept the monster at bay, but when he is no longer there to protect her, the black dog reappears to stalk Sandie in her sleep ... Illuminating the undeniable power of Mal Peet's pared-back prose, Good Boy is an evocative examination of fear and anxiety that will leave you guessing long after its final page. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 14+
Monkeys come to the rescue of a struggling family in this traditional tale from a Carnegie Medal winner. Tashi lives in a tiny village below the tea plantations where her mother earns a living. One day her mother falls ill, and Tashi must pick tea to earn the money for a doctor. But she is too small to reach the tender shoots and the cruel Overseer sends her away empty-handed. Tashi needs a miracle. Then, on the mountains high above the plantation where only monkeys live, something extraordinary happens that will change her life for ever...
June 2018 Book of the Month | In a nutshell: themes of fatherhood, memory and guilt explored in haunting YA novella Mal Peet, who died in 2015, wrote with extraordinary sensitivity and insight and this novella, freshly published by Barrington Stoke, is testimony to his talent. Benjamin finds himself by accident outside his old home and revisits memories of the garden and treehouse that 20 years ago were such a key part of his childhood. His father built the treehouse for him but it quickly changed from being a place of shared stories to something less happy – a hideaway from his mother, a hiding place for his father as he turned away from the outside world. The story is a painful one, years on Ben is still torn by conflicting loyalties, still angry with his father, still guilty for abandoning him. His return brings some new perspectives, but no happy resolution. Emma Shoard’s new illustrations equal the text for rawness, depth and resonance. ~ Andrea Reece Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 14+ Illustrator, Emma Shoard says: “After much anticipation, I am so happy to be working on this beautiful story by Mal Peet. There is so much depth and reality to the relationship between his characters; I hope to illustrate something of those spacious places he has created in between the lines. The huge, ancient beech tree at the centre of this story is a real treat for an illustrator.” Barrington Stoke is the foremost publisher of dyslexia friendly books and those for reluctant readers. Here on Lovereading4kids we are constantly selecting new titles and refreshing our special dyslexia friendly category. Click here to view our current selection which is broken down by age range.
*** Suitable for ages 16+ Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 | In turns brutal and passionate, Beck is an utterly compelling story of survival and romance which will catch the breath of all readers and inspire them to fight against injustice. And to trust in the power of love. The eponymous Beck’s fate is a bleak one: conceived accidentally, orphaned young and betrayed by all those who might have looked after him, Beck is dispatched to Canada, a country then in the grip of depression. Abused by the Christian Brothers and still a young child, Beck is sent into a life of servitude made worse by prejudice because he is black. Escaping, Beck takes to the road in search of something better. His journey and the experiences on it are harrowing but, when it reaches its end, Beck discovers kindness and love and finds there is a place for him in the world. Award-winning Mal Peet’s final story has been finished by his friend and fellow award-winning novelist Meg Rosoff. Together they have created an unflinching story that tackles the many inequalities of the world head on. ~ Julia Eccleshare
*** Suitable for ages 16+ Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 | One of our Books of the Year 2016 | Julia Eccleshare's Book of the Month September 2016 In turns brutal and passionate, Beck is an utterly compelling story of survival and romance which will catch the breath of all readers and inspire them to fight against injustice. And to trust in the power of love. The eponymous Beck’s fate is a bleak one: conceived accidentally, orphaned young and betrayed by all those who might have looked after him, Beck is dispatched to Canada, a country then in the grip of depression. Abused by the Christian Brothers and still a young child, Beck is sent into a life of servitude made worse by prejudice because he is black. Escaping, Beck takes to the road in search of something better. His journey and the experiences on it are harrowing but, when it reaches its end, Beck discovers kindness and love and finds there is a place for him in the world. Award-winning Mal Peet’s final story has been finished by his friend and fellow award-winning novelist Meg Rosoff. Together they have created an unflinching story that tackles the many inequalities of the world head on. ~ Julia Eccleshare Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for September 2016 A Poem for Every Night of the Year compliled by Allie Esiri Gruffalo Crumble and Other Recipes by Julia Donaldson A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston Beck by Mal Peet and Meg Rosoff Tom's Midnight Garden Graphic Novel by Philippa Pearce and Edith Jinks and O'Hare Funfair Repair by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntryre
The final novel from Carnegie Medal-winning author Mal Peet is a sweeping coming-of-age adventure, with all the characteristic beauty and strenth of his prose.Both harrowing and life-affirming, the final novel from Carnegie Medal-winning author Mal Peet is the sweeping coming-of-age adventure of a mixed race boy transported to North America.Born from a street liason between a poor young woman and an African sailor in the 1900s, Beck is soon orphaned and sent to the Catholic Brothers in Canada. Shipped to work on a farm, his escape takes him across the continent in a search for belonging. Enduring abuse and many hardships, Beck has times of comfort and encouragement, eventually finding Grace, the woman with whom he can finally forge his life and shape his destiny as a young man. A picaresque novel set during the Depression as experienced by a young black man, it depicts great pain but has an uplifting and inspiring conclusion.
This is the second novel from Mal Peet that features Paul Faustino (the first was Keeper) South America’s top sports journalist. It’s a brilliant thriller, beautifully written and the author’s passion for football shines through in the writing. If you’re football mad or want to be a journalist, don’t look further than this book for inspiration. Now available in audio CD. The first in the trilogy is Keeper and the final one is Exposure. Shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2007.
Winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2009. A dramatic, topical novel inspired by Shakespeare's Othello which will appeal to both boys and girls with its themes of football and celebrity culture. Award winning Mal Peet’s Exposure is the third in the gripping trilogy which began with Keeper, about top sports journalist, Paul Faustino. Faustino always has an eye for the good story and when Otello, a national hero with money, an attractive wife and great media profile, makes a sensational club transfer, Faustino is already taking notice. Such high expose puts Otello at risk and when his name is linked to a scandal – all be it wrongly – the power of the press turns against him. As ever, Faustino is an unforgettable character and an excellent commentator on the way the press can both make and destroy reputations. The first in the trilogy was Keeper and the second was Penalty.
This extraordinary, gripping tale pulses with the rhythms of football and the rainforest. Teenagers will love it but football loving adults will as well. It pours with mystery and suspense, will have you riveted to the page and the great twist at the end will come like a bolt out of the blue. This is the first in this extraordinary football linked trilogy. The second is Penalty and the final one is Exposure. Winner of the 2004 Branford Boase Award Winner of the 2004 Bronze Nestle Smarties Book Award
Let the creators of Cloud Tea Monkeys take you back to medieval Mongolia in this captivating story gem about family, danger, banditry and kite-flying. From Owl Babies illustrator, Patrick Benson, and from the creators of the Kate Greenaway shortlisted Cloud Tea Monkeys, comes a captivating story set in medieval Mongolia - a story of family, danger, banditry and kite-flying. Set at a caravanserai along the Silk Road, Night Sky Dragons is the tale of Yazul, a young boy who spends most of his time with his grandfather in his workshop, making kites. More than anything, Yazul wants the approval of his father, the lord of the han, but his love of kite-making only ever seems to cause disappointment: Travel and trade are what matters, his father says. One day, the han becomes surrounded by a group of bandits. Everyone becomes trapped within the walls of the han and with the bandits waiting them out, food becomes scarce and spirits rapidly fall. However, Yazul has an idea... With the help of his grandfather he might just be able to scare the bandits away and save the han!
A moving and beautifully researched story about camels, lost princesses and the strength of wisdom and knowledge, stunningly illustrated by P.J. Lynch. This is the second tale in a trilogy from acclaimed storytellers Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham. This one begins with a disgruntled camel, desperately trying to protect a little baby from a violent desert storm whipping up all around him. He is rescued by Issa - the desert guide - who takes the child in, naming her Mariama. She becomes Issa's family and, as he begins to lose his sight, his eyes. Many years later, a mysterious stranger arrives at their doorstep, a stranger who will change both their lives for ever...
Do you ever wonder why we have seasons? How Winter Came into the World shows how the Greeks explain winter. It is about a god called Hades who falls in love with a beautiful goddess called Persephone Captivating versions of some of the best myths and legends from around the world. TreeTops Myths and Legends are fascinating and action-packed stories that will motivate and inspire readers. These are some of the oldest and most enduring stories in the world, retold by leading contemporary children's authors to bring out all of the action, drama, humour and depth of the original stories in a way that makes them as exciting and meaningful today as ever. The stories are beautifully illustrated in a range of styles to bring each tale to life. Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with children's reading development also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk. The books are finely levelled, making it easy to match every child to the right book.
Find out what happens when Sinbad the sailor is left stranded on an island with a giant seagull. Will he find a way to get back to his ship? This entertaining narrative is written by award-winning authors Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham. *Collins Big Cat Phonics Progress books are specifically designed for struggling readers, giving them age-appropriate texts that they can read, building their confidence and fostering positive attitudes towards reading. This title has a text level of Band 2B / Red B, which provides simple story development and a satisfying conclusion, and an interest level of Band 8 / Purple. *Text type: A traditional story *An illustrated map on pages 14 to 15 helps children to recap Sinbad's journey and discuss the story. *Curriculum links: Citizenship
Longlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2014 A moving and brilliantly researched story about camels, lost princesses and the strength of wisdom and knowledge from the creators of the award-winning Cloud Tea Monkeys, Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham and, stunningly illustrated by P.J. Lynch. It is a mesmerizing and touching tale, illustrating the bond between a child and the man who brought her up like a daughter. Both deliciously exotic and yet portraying warmly familiar and universal truths. Authors' Note: This story is set in an imaginary place, but it came about because Elspeth became fascinated by that fabulous and faraway place called Timbuktu. It's an African country now called Mali, and it's where, long ago, traders bringing salt from the north met traders bringing gold from the south. We began to read and think about those traders, those travellers with their camel caravans, making those long, difficult journeys through mountains and deserts. Their lives, and their livelihoods, depended upon the guides who led them through these dangerous places. When we discovered that one of the most famous of these guides was blind it set our imaginations racing.
Winner of the Carnegie Medal 2006.What the judges said: This is an enthralling and multi-layered novel that traces the story of two men caught up in secret operations in World War Two.It looks at the negative impact that war has on those involved and on succeeding generations.Guilt and its ramifications lie at the heart of this well-written and serious novel that skilfully interweaves past and present.
A Lovereading4kids 'Great Read' you may have missed 2011 selection. This is a brilliant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Cold War and events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis. The story is told in flashback by Clem when he is living and working in New York City as a designer, and moves from the past of his parents and grandmother to his own teenage years. Not only the threat of explosions, but actual ones as well, feature throughout in this latest novel from one of the finest writers working today.
Three deftly spun, emotionally resonant stories with the feel of time-honoured fables but the freshness of a contemporary voice. When Tashi's mother falls ill and is unable to work, Tashi looks to the monkeys on a Himalayan tea plantation for help... Yazul and his clan, trapped inside their desert fortress by bandits, are saved from starvation by fiercesome dragon kites... Issa, the old mountain guide, has his life turned upside down when he stumbles upon a camel sheltering a baby girl in a desert storm...
A brilliant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Cold War and events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis.Clem Ackroyd lives with his parents and grandmother in a claustrophobic home too small to accommodate their larger-than-life characters in the bleak Norlfolk countryside. Clem's life changes irrevocably when he meets Frankie, the daughter of a wealthy farmer, and experiences first love, in all its pain and glory. The story is told in flashback by Clem when he is living and working in New York City as a designer, and moves from the past of his parents and grandmother to his own teenage years. Not only the threat of explosions, but actual ones as well, feature throughout in this latest novel from one of the finest writers working today.
The third Paul Faustino novel by multi-award-winning Mal Peet. A massive soccer star has it all, but someone is plotting his downfall...Revered as a national hero ... married to the desirable Desmerelda ... cherished by the media ... soccer star, Otello, has it all. But a sensational club transfer sparks a media frenzy, and when he is wrongly implicated in a scandal, the footballer's life turns into a tragic spiral of destruction. South America's top sports journalist, Paul Faustino, witnesses the power of the media in making and breaking people's lives.
The thrilling sequel to the award-winning Keeper.As the city of San Juan pulses to summer's sluggish beat, its teenage football prodigy El Brujito, the Little Magician, vanishes without trace. Paul Faustino, South America's top sports journalist, is reluctantly drawn into the mystery. As a story of corruption and murder unfolds, he is forced to confront a bitter history of slavery, and the power of the occult.
A brilliant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Cold War and events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis.Clem Ackroyd lives with his parents and grandmother in a claustrophobic home too small to accommodate their larger-than-life characters in the bleak Norlfolk countryside. Clem's life changes irrevocably when he meets Frankie, the daughter of a wealthy farmer, and experiences first love, in all its pain and glory. The story is told in flashback by Clem when he is living and working in New York City as a designer, and moves from the past of his parents and grandmother to his own teenage years. Not only the threat of explosions, but actual ones as well, feature throughout in this latest novel from one of the finest writers working today.
The third Paul Faustino novel by multi-award-winning Mal Peet. A massive soccer star has it all, but someone is plotting his downfall...Revered as a national hero ... married to the desirable Desmerelda ... cherished by the media ... soccer star, Otello, has it all. But a sensational club transfer sparks a media frenzy, and when he is wrongly implicated in a scandal, the footballer's life turns into a tragic spiral of destruction. South America's top sports journalist, Paul Faustino, witnesses the power of the media in making and breaking people's lives.
A moving story about love, lies and secrets in a time of war, winner of the 2005 Carnegie Medal.When her grandfather dies, Tamar inherits a box containing a series of clues and coded messages. Out of the past, another Tamar emerges, a man involved in the terrifying world of resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied Holland half a century earlier. His story is one of passionate love, jealousy and tragedy set against the daily fear and casual horror of the Second World War. Unravelling it will transform the younger Tamar's life...
An extraordinary debut novel, winner of the Branford Boase Award and the Bronze Nestle Children's Book Prize.Paul Faustino, South America's top sports writer, sits opposite the man they call El Gato - the Cat - the world's greatest goalkeeper. On the table between them stands the World Cup... In the hours that follow, El Gato tells his incredible story - how he, a poor logger's son, learns to become a World Cup-winning goalkeeper so good he is almost unbeatable. And the most remarkable part of this story is the man who teaches him - the mysterious Keeper, who haunts a football pitch at the heart of the claustrophobic forest...
A moving story about love, lies and secrets in a time of war, winner of the 2005 Carnegie Medal.When her grandfather dies, Tamar inherits a box containing a series of clues and coded messages. Out of the past, another Tamar emerges, a man involved in the terrifying world of resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied Holland half a century earlier. His story is one of passionate love, jealousy and tragedy set against the daily fear and casual horror of the Second World War. Unravelling it will transform the younger Tamar's life...
An extraordinary debut novel, winner of the Branford Boase Award and the Bronze Nestle Children's Book Prize.Paul Faustino, South America's top sports writer, sits opposite the man they call El Gato - the Cat - the world's greatest goalkeeper. On the table between them stands the World Cup... In the hours that follow, El Gato tells his incredible story - how he, a poor logger's son, learns to become a World Cup-winning goalkeeper so good he is almost unbeatable. And the most remarkable part of this story is the man who teaches him - the mysterious Keeper, who haunts a football pitch at the heart of the claustrophobic forest...
Written by top children's authors such as award-winning Gillian Cross, Malachy Doyle and Pippa Goodhart Snapdragons are fabulously illustrated with various writing styles and fonts to make reading enjoyable for all your infant readers. They provide a wide range of picture books for children aged 3-9. Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with childrens reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk. This book is also available as part of a mixed pack of 6 different books or a class pack of 36 books of the same Oxford Reading Tree level.
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