The author of this year's Guardian children's fiction prize-winning book, Liar & Spy, takes on the Guardian children's books quickfire interview
Why should we read your current book?
That's almost impossible to answer! Because it was built from authentic emotion.
Who was your childhood hero?
Atticus Finch, because he was a humble yet heroic person and a very loving father.
What was your favourite book when you were younger?
I never had a favourite book! I liked all kinds of things – science fiction so I read Heinlen and Ray Bradbury and I also liked reading about kids like myself so I read Judy Blume and Norma Klein and Paula Danzinger and a lot of other writers. I also read James Herriot!
Did you read a lot as a child and do you still read children's books now?
Yes, I read a whole lot as a child and of course I still read children's books. The last book I read was Katherine Rundell's Rooftoppers and it was transporting.
What was the last book you had recommended to you and what book would you recommend to us?
The last book I can remember reading on a strong recommendation is Ruth Ozeki's A Tale for the Time Being. It was wonderful and I recommend it to everyone without reservation.
What advice would you give to your 10-year-old self?
Be less sensitive. I think things hit me very hard and I wish I had allowed things to roll off my back a little bit more.
What would you be if you hadn't been a writer?
I would probably still be a public defender [a legal aid lawyer].
If you could travel in time, where would you go first?
Straight to the future, maybe 100 years ahead just as a start.
What is the weirdest thing a fan has ever said and/or given to you?
I would never look a gift horse in the mouth. I've had some lovely homemade earrings and recently a wall hanging made in the style of Geroges Seurat. More wonderful than weird!
What is your next book going to be about?
I never talk about my next book becaue it's still in progress in my head but it's most defintiely a book for children. It'll probably be out in 2015.
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