Biography

Melina Marchetta's first novel Looking For Alibrandi was published in 1992 and was released as a film in 2000 which she also wrote. She taught secondary school English and History for ten years during which time she released her second novel Saving Francesca followed by On the Jellicoe Road.  In 2006 she left teaching to become a full time writer. Her first fantasy novel, Finnikin of the Rock was published in 2008 and in 2010 The Piper's Son, a companion novel to Saving Francesca was released. She has written a children's book, The Gorgon in the Gully, as part of the Puffin Pocket Money series.

Her novels have been published in 17 languages.  Melina lives in Sydney where she writes full time.

NOVELS AND FILM SCRIPT

2010

The Gorgon in the Gully, Puffin Books, Penguin

The Piper’s Son, Viking Books, Penguin (published in the US by Candlewick)

2008

Finnikin of the Rock, Viking Books, Penguin (published in the US by Candlewick)

2006

On the Jellicoe Road, Viking Books, Penguin (published in the US as Jellicoe Road by Harper Collins)

2003

Saving Francesca, Viking Books ,Penguin (published in the US by Knopfs, Random House)

2000

Looking For Alibrandi film script produced by Robyn Kershaw directed Kate Woods

1992

Looking For Alibrandi, Penguin Books (published in the US by Knopfs, Random House)

LITERARY AWARDS AND SHORTLISTS

2010

The Piper’s Son, shortlisted for Qld Premier’s Award

2009

Jellicoe Road  (US) Winner of the US Printz Award

Finnikin of the Rock, Winner of the ABIA Award

Finnikin of the Rock, Winner of the Aurealis Fantasy Award

Finnikin of the Rock, Shortlisted for the CBC Award

Finnikin of the Rock, Shortlisted for the WA Premier’s Literary Awards

2007

On the Jellicoe Road, shortlisted for Qld Premier’s Awards

On the Jellicoe Road, shortlisted for ABIA Awards

2004

Saving Francesca – Winner of the CBC Book of the Year

1993

Looking For Alibrandi – Winner of the CBC Book of the Year

Looking For Alibrandi – Shortlisted for NSW Premier’s Award

SCRIPT AWARDS

Looking For Alibrandi

2000 AFI Best Adapted Script

2000 IF Award Best Adapted Script

2000 NSW Premier’s Award, Best Script

2000 Circle Critics’ Award, Best Adapted Script