Chaired by Kate de Goldi, this session brings together the celebrated New Zealand writer Margaret Mahy and Australian writer Marcus Zusak, discussing a wide range of issues about writing for older children and young adults. Margaret Mahy is undoubtedly one of the world's leading and most gifted writers of the difficult genre of books for young adults. In this panel discussion recorded at the Press Christchurch Writers' Festival in September 2006 she talks about issues which affect her work as a writer with Australian author Markus Zusak. His books for children and young adults have been published and critically-acclaimed worldwide. His latest work and first adult novel, The Book Thief was shortlisted for four literary awards and won the 2006 Kathleen Mitchell Award.
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