Deborah trained as a teacher and completed a BA (Comm) before becoming writer/producer of a national children’s TV show. She left after 7 years and has since written 25 books for children, including the Max Remy Superspy and Jasper Zammit (Soccer Legend) series and her climate change trilogy, Grimsdon, New City and Final Storm. Teresa A New Australian, was inspired by her dad, who, with a million other refugees, made the journey to Australia after the devastation of WW2. The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee and sequel, The Most Marvellous Spelling Bee Mystery, were written because of her love of words.

Deborah’s won awards for her books, including the USBBY Outstanding International Book Award in the USA, the Maurice Saxby Award for Services to Children’s Literature and many children’s choice awards.

Deborah has visited tens of thousands of children, their teachers and librarians over the past 20 years. She has taught and spoken at international schools, conferences and festivals across Australia, encouraging children to love books and reading, and equipping teachers with practical activities to foster a joy of writing in their students.

She believes that every child has the right to an education and to the ability to read. She has been an ambassador for the National Year of Reading, the Premier’s Reading Challenge, the Premier’s Spelling Bee, Room to Read and a role model for Books In Homes. She is also the Assistant Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Australia.

www.deborahabela.com