The Joy and Value of Reading

Hope is a Brisbane-based poet, writer, performer and general word-person who deeply believes in the incredible power of language. She's passionate about weird clothes and weird art, and in her spare time she hosts youth poetry slams and searches for the perfect iced chai recipe.

Nova is an avid reader and writer who enjoys fiction, especially fantasy series. They love Mythology, magic and animals of all kinds, and are currently in the process of writing their own novel. As of now, they are in grade 10 in school and want to be a film director and author once they graduate.

Alex is an illustrative artist completing his diploma in Library services.
He is a member of Prima Spada Queensland as a member of their marketing and advertising committee, as well as a historical reenactor. Between his studies and volunteering work, Alex has dedicated the last 6 years to writing a YA fantasy series.
His passions are in history, natural conservation, advocacy for disabled and queer rights, and amphibians.

Morris Gleitzman is a bestselling Australian children’s author and was the Australian Children's Laureate for 2018 and 2019. His books explore serious and sometimes confronting subjects in humorous and unexpected ways. His titles include Two Weeks With The Queen, Grace, Toad Rage, Bumface, Boy Overboard, Give Peas A Chance, Extra Time, Loyal Creatures, Digging Up Dad, the Once series, and his latest book, Tweet. Morris lives in Brisbane, and his books are published in more than twenty countries.

Jane Sullivan is the founder of Scholarly, an online learning platform that supports QCE English students. She is also co-founder of four hugely popular online book clubs: Rebel Readers Alliance, The Bluestockings Society, The Midnight Readers, and Birds of a Feather Book Club. Jane is an experienced English teacher, registered celebrant, book club coordinator, public speaker, online course developer, and mum to four young sons who she hopes will share her love of reading. Whether you're a parent looking for some thrilling reads for your primary aged child, or you'd like your teen to join a safe online community that offers more than just books, or you’re keen to connect with other grown-ups that love to have wholehearted conversations about books and stories, Jane and her co-captain Rebecca Sparrow have a book club for just about anyone. Jane is thrilled to bring her unique blend of biblio-zest and literary nous to the Brisbane Writers Festival.