J.C. Burke

"There's a space in me. It's a dead space. I know that, because I can't feel anything. But that's what hurts, the nothingness. It's agony."

About the Author

J.C. Burke was born in Sydney in 1965, the fourth of five sisters. With writers for parents, she grew up in a world of noise, drama and books, but she decided to become a nurse after her mother lost a long battle with cancer. Since Burke started writing in 1999, she has published a number of acclaimed books for teenagers and young adults, including Children's Book Council Notable Books White Lies and The Red Cardigan , Aurealis Awards finalist Nine Letters Long , The Story Of Tom Brennan , Faking Sweet , Starfish Sisters , Ocean Pearl , Pig Boy and Pretty Girl . The Story of Tom Brennan won the 2006 CBC Book of the Year - Older Readers and the 2006 Australian Family Therapists Award for Children's Literature and it is currently on the NSW HSC syllabus list. Pig Boy won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction in 2012. Jane lives in Sydney with her family.

What genres does J.C. Burke write in?

J.C. Burke primarily writes young adult fiction for teenagers and young adults, with contemporary coming-of-age stories and at least one award-winning crime novel.

Which of her books have received awards or notable recognition?

The Story of Tom Brennan won the 2006 CBC Book of the Year - Older Readers and the 2006 Australian Family Therapists Award for Children's Literature and is on the NSW HSC syllabus. Pig Boy won the 2012 Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Fiction. Nine Letters Long was an Aurealis Awards finalist and White Lies was listed as a Children's Book Council notable book.

Does J.C. Burke have any series and what is the recommended reading order?

Yes. The Starfish Sisters series includes Starfish Sisters followed by Ocean Pearl. The Red Cardigan series includes Nine Letters Long and The Red Cardigan. It is best to read each series in its listed order.

What themes does J.C. Burke often explore in her novels?

Her novels frequently explore issues faced by young people, including family dynamics, grief, identity and emotional challenges, presented in contemporary young adult settings.

Where is a good place to start if I'm new to J.C. Burke's work?

Start with The Story of Tom Brennan for a widely praised, award-winning example of her work; if you prefer crime fiction try Pig Boy; for a linked story experience begin with Starfish Sisters and then read Ocean Pearl.