Catherine Johnson
Catherine Johnson, of Jamaican-Welsh heritage, grew up in north London. She has written over 20 novels for young readers. Her most recent historical novels were nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Sawbones won the Young Quills Award for best historical fiction for 12+, and The Curious Tale of The Lady Caraboo was nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal and the YA Book Prize.
She has also written for TV including Rough Crossings for BBC2 with Simon Schama and popular continuing drama Holby City on BBC1. Her film work includes the award-winning Bullet Boy (2004), and her radio play, Fresh Berries, was shortlisted for the Prix Italia.
Catherine has been a Writer in Residence at Holloway Prison, a Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow at the London Institute and has mentored writers for the British Council. She lives in Hastings.
Books
A Change Is Gonna Come
Author: Various
Publisher: Little Tiger
Interest age: 12-15
Reading age: 12+
This must-have anthology featuring stories and poems from 12 black, Asian and minority ethnic authors deals with the subject of change with wit, emotion and moments that will make you stop in your tracks.
A Nest Of Vipers
Author: Catherine Johnson
Publisher: Corgi
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 10+
We meet Cato Hopkins in Newgate Prison in September 1712, on the morning of the day he is due to be hanged for fraud.
Arctic Hero
Author: Catherine Johnson
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 9-13
Reading age: 10+
American explorer Matthew Henson was one of the first men to reach the North Pole in 1909. But his place in history wasn’t formally acknowledged for many years, due to the colour of his skin.
Freedom (1783)
Author: Catherine Johnson
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+
This is a brilliant adventure story that manages to give young readers a really important insight into slavery without being so upsetting that it’s impossible to read: a very fine balance, masterfully achieved.
Journey Back to Freedom: The Olaudah Equiano Story
Author: Catherine Johnson
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+
Olaudah is just 11 years old when he is kidnapped from his lovely family in Essaka, Africa in 1745, sold into brutal slavery and renamed Gustavus. This is the story of how he grew up, serving several masters at sea, becoming an experienced sailor and living all over the world including England’s multicultural capital London, where he eventually returned as a…
Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story
Author: Catherine Johnson
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 11+
Penniless and shoeless, 11-year-old Matt leaves home and walks to Washington DC in search of a new life. Taken in by the kindly Janey, he helps in her café. But, entranced by a customer’s tales of adventure on the high seas, Matt starts to dream of sailing the world.
Sawbones
Author: Catherine Johnson
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 11+
Reading age: 11+
In 18th century London, 16-year-old Ezra is working as apprentice to a highly respected surgeon, William McAdam.