HUGE congratulations to our own Fiona Hardy’s How to Write the Soundtrack to Your Life has been shortlisted in The 2021 Children’s Peace Literature Award!

A biennial award to Australian authors of books for children that encourage the peaceful resolution of conflict or promote peace at the global, local or interpersonal level. The 2021 Children’s Peace Literature Award attracted over 90 entries submitted by publishers and authors.

And check out their comments on Fiona Hardy’s book!

Murphy is a very shy Year 6 student with a talent for writing keyboard music. She is too shy even to allow anyone to hear her songs, until she is required to play to her class at school. When her music begins to be performed by a local band, she is determined to find the music thief. Lead by the feisty Zara, Murphy’s supporters identify the thief and, along the way, Murphy finds her voice.

Fiona Hardy creates a cast of interesting and convincing characters to support Murphy in her search. Particularly realistic are the changing relationships as family, friends and class mates come under suspicion and are cleared. Hardy’s adult characters play significant roles, especially Murphy’s father whose depression prevents him from being the girl’s full time carer. However the children are the decision makers who work cooperatively to ensure that the various conflicts are peacefully resolved. An entertaining and thought provoking book.