BOOKS

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

I’ve had twelve books for children and young adults published since 1988.  That’s two picture story books, five YA novels for the Dolly Fiction and Paradise Point series, four novels for middle-grade readers and one non-fiction title. Here they all are…

The Verity Sparks series was published by Walker Books, Australia between 2011 and 2015. They were edited by Mary Verney, and the distinctive cover art is by Lisa Coutts.


The Truth About Verity Sparks
2011
CBCA Honour Book, Younger Readers 2012
Shortlisted for the Davitt Award, Children’s/Young Adult 2012
Special Mention, International Youth Library’s White Ravens List 2012

London 1878
Verity Sparks has an extraordinary talent: she can find lost hings just by thinking about them. When she joins a Confidential Inquiry Agency, she discovers there is a mystery lurking in her own past and that unknown forces are working against her. It soon becomes clear that Verity and her friends are in great danger. Who doesn’t want them to learn the truth about Verity Sparks?

 

There were two sequels:

Verity Sparks, Lost and Found 2013

Melbourne 1879
Verity Sparks has found her father. But she has lost her gift – the ability to find lost things.
Papa Savinov, eager for Verity to become a proper lady, sends her to the exclusive boarding school Hightop House. But Verity is more interested in solving the case of the missing Ecclesthorpe heiress.
As the investigation deepens, danger and intrigue grow closer. Will Verity’s gift return before it’s too late?

 

Verity Sparks and the Scarlet Hand 2015
2016 Davitt Awards Highly Commended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Twins in the Trunk Nelson 1998

When Katie finds an old trunk in the cellar under the house, she thinks she’s found a bushranger’s treasure. What she has found is ghost trouble – and double-trouble at that! Katie and her brother Angus soon learn that some things are better left unopened…

 

 

It’s True! Fashion Can Be Fatal Allen&Unwin 2004.
My only non-fiction title (so far) – and it has very funny illustrations by Gregory Rogers.

Are you dying to be trendy? Would you kill to be cool? Warning! Fashion can give you blisters and break your ribs: it might even be the death of you.
Which dancer was strangled by her own scarf and why did King George wear a corset? Why did women want bigger bums, and what do you do with a codpiece? Read this books to find out about the victims of fashion crazes through the ages: the silly, the scary and the suffocated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is He For Real? Greenhouse 1989
So Hard To Leave You ACP 1990
The Worst Best Year ACP 1991
The Summer People Pan 1992
Runaway Girl Pan 1993

 

 

These five YA novels (or ‘teenage romances’ as they were called back in the day) were written under the name of Suzanne Lennox. I was advised not to use my own name! I’m not at all ashamed of my Dolly Fiction novels…though perhaps I am supposed to be.

These two picture story books were created in collaboration with illustrator Stuart Billington.

 

 

49 Responses to BOOKS

  1. Tracey says:

    I loved reading this piece. It was wonderful – very interesting and definitely inspiring for me as a writer. What great names you chose for your characters. Thanks Susan for sharing this process 🙂

    • susan says:

      Dear Tracey,

      Thanks for your comment – I’m really glad that you found some inspiration! I’m a bit like a magpie…I find ideas and inspiration all over the place, in some very odd corners too – like cemeteries. But sometimes ideas just drop in your lap. You have to be prepared to see if they work out or not (sometimes they don’t!) but it’s all part of the fun.
      All the best
      Susan

  2. I thought you might like my story. I am a 68year old grandmother of 4. My 9 year old granddaughter and I love to read. She rang me recently and recommended I read a book called ‘The truth about Verity Sparks’ . She said it is good and the further she gets into it, it is even better. When she recommends a book I get it from the library, read it and we have our own little book club discussion. I found this book delightful as my granddaughter said and quite frankly couldn’t put it down. Beautifully written and a great story. Thank you so much for your creativity for both young and old. I love your comments on this site about how you go about creating the story. kindest regards from ‘the bookclubbers.’

    • susan says:

      Dear Rosemary,
      I loved your story, and thank you for sharing it with me. Isn’t it lovely when there’s that two-way flow of ideas and enjoyment with children? I didn’t see a lot of my grandmother when I was little, but my son had a wonderful and close relationship with his grandmother (my mum) because my family lived with her. They loved sharing books, and they both gained so much from each other. You and your grandchildren are lucky!
      All the best,
      Susan

  3. Yasmin Mirshafiei says:

    I enjoyed reading this book very much it was very enjoyable and fun to read it also took me on an adventure to the past I loved the names too. It was an amazing book an I am enjoying reading Verity Sparks lost and found by far Susan Green is my favourite author 😀 🙂 😀

    • susan says:

      Dear Yasmin,
      Thanks so much for telling me how much you enjoyed my book! It’s so good when readers make the effort to do that – it means a lot. I’m glad you liked the names…I do have a lot of fun finding them or making them up.
      Happy reading! All the best,
      Susan

  4. Anneena says:

    I loved reading both Verity Spark books. I just finished lost and found, it was amazing. I’d love it there was another Verity Sparks book. The character’s names are amazing and so inventive. I think both books were so cleverly written. Susan Green is now one of my favourite authors. I think I’m going to start my own book about detectives or something like Verity Sparks, thank you Susan, you really inspired me.
    🙂

    • susan says:

      Anneena, I’m so glad you’re inspired! It’s always lovely to hear from readers, so thank-you for taking to time to tell me you enjoyed my book. It’s very likely there will be a further Verity book…I’m playing around with another really complicated plot right now…
      All the best,
      Susan

  5. Grace says:

    Hi Susan
    I have read your first book and starting your second book.
    I have one question where did you get the idea of the character Alexandra he is a selfish person?
    You inspire me a lot it is very interesting that you set the book back in time and why did you do that and I also wonder if you are going to write a third book I would love you to write another book.
    Your book the truth about verity sparks was so interesting I am trying to convince my friends to read your verity sparks book.
    I like how you write mystery books and it can be sad then happy mysteryious and don’t start me on giving you the thoughts I can think about your amazing books.

    I am getting very interested about lost and found I can not believe that she is going to school
    Your one of my fav authors!!!!!!!!!!

    • susan says:

      Dear Grace,
      Thank you for your questions.
      Where did I get the idea for Alexander? Sorry, I can’t give you a good answer because I really don’t know. I did like the idea of creating a character who seemed to be one thing (nice and good) but who was really the opposite (in Alexander’s case, very mixed-up and bad).
      Your other question is why did I set the story in the past. I think the story of Verity wouldn’t work if it was set today. For a start, she wouldn’t be allowed to work as a milliner’s apprentice at the age of 13. And I just love the gas-lamps and dark streets and swishing gowns and carriages…they are all part of the atmosphere.

      Thanks for taking the time to write!
      All the best,
      Susan

  6. Gracie says:

    Hi Susan
    Your books are awesome I really like your books alot and your book the truth about verity speaks has really inspired me and you have a very good creation and imagination.

    One question which verity sparks book inspired you the most?

    You have wrote two amazing verity sparks book but I wonder if you would write another book?
    You are one of my faviroute authors !!!
    🙂

    • susan says:

      Dear Gracie,

      Thank you for your lovely comments. I’m glad you enjoyed my imagination because I enjoy it too. Making up stories is a lot of fun. You will be pleased to know that I am writing another Verity Sparks book at this very minute. I have just finished Chapter 3. That is the good news. The bad news is, it will probably not be released until early 2015.
      You asked which book inspired me most. Not easy to answer because each book is different. My favourite Verity book is actually the one I am writing now!

      All the best, Gracie, and keep on reading.
      Susan

  7. Mia D'Andrea says:

    Hi Susan,
    My name is Mia and I am 11.
    Last year I read the truth about Verity Sparks. It was so good that I couldn’t put it down.
    I have just bought Verity Sparks lost and found. I can’t wait to read it.
    When I was looking through my new book, I read the section about you or in other words the author. I saw that you live in Castlemaine. That is where my grandparents live, it is a great town.
    Can you please write another new book soon. Mia

    • susan says:

      Dear Mia,
      Thank you for writing to me, and I hope you enjoy Verity Sparks Lost and Found as much as you enjoyed the first book. I have started on a third Verity book and it’s set in Castlemaine in 1880. I’m writing as fast as I can! There will be a bit of a wait, however – it won’t come out until early in 2015.
      And I agree with you, Mia- Castlemaine IS a great town.
      All the best,
      Susan

  8. Pang Xiu En,Rachel says:

    Hi Susan,my name is Rachel.I am almost twelve this year.I absolutely love your book <>and<>.You have also inspire me to became a writer .Can you tell me when are you going to publish your book???because I am so keen and I love your books.
    You are one of my favourite authors!!!so all the best for your next book!!!

    • susan says:

      Dear Rachel,
      Thank you for taking the time to write to me – I love hearing from readers. I’m so glad you found Verity inspiring. The next Verity Sparks book will be called “Verity Sparks and the Scarlet Hand” and it will be published early in 2015. I am nearly half way through the first draft, but I don’t write all the time. I spent today doing research. I really enjoy researching for my books – I always get lots of new ideas. And it’s fun. All the best for your writing!
      thanks again
      Susan

  9. Sowndy says:

    Dear Susan,
    I am a great fan of Verity. Thanks for your amazing book. I like every part of it. I have read it like a million times and i never get bored of it. Thanks again!!!!! 🙂

    • susan says:

      Dear Sowndy,
      Thank you so much for your enthusiasm! It’s very encouraging for a writer to get messages like yours. And yes, another Verity book is on its way. I am about half way through and there are lots of mysteries and complications (maybe too many…)! All the best,
      Susan

  10. Lily Edmondson says:

    Hi Susan Green!
    My name is Lily and I am 11 years old (almost 12). I have sent you a letter saying that you are my favorite author and that Verity Sparks is my absolute favorite book!
    I have read both Verity books and never get bored of them – in fact, I read them every night and every morning! I can’t wait for your new book to come out so I can read all about the mysteries and exitement that Verity gets up to!
    I will try to keep in touch with you.
    Regards,
    Lily 🙂

    • susan says:

      Dear Lily,
      I got your letter in the mail this week and it made my day. Thank-you for taking the time to write and to draw a picture of Verity (lovely drawing, by the way).The new verity book is coming along well and I only have about 10,000 words more to write. The trouble is, it has another very complicated plot and I have to make sure all the loose ends are tied up by the time I type “The End”. A letter like yours is very encouraging, so I will make this reply short and get back to Verity!
      All the best, and happy reading,
      Susan

  11. India Horton says:

    I LOVE your Verity Sparks books. They are one of the best series of books I have ever read! Are you going to write a 3rd Verity Sparks book? PLEASE! I can’t wait to hear the mystery of Alexander, is he on Verity’s side or against her? SO exited!

    • susan says:

      Thank-you for writing to me, India. I am finishing the 3rd book right now and it will be published in early 2015. Alexander won’t make another appearance in the 3rd book; in Verity Sparks Lost and Found he redeemed himself by saving both Papa and Verity. That might be the last of Alexander…
      If you enjoyed the two Verity books, you might like the Sally Lockhart mysteries by Phillip Pullman. Have a look in your library and try them out.
      All the best and happy reading,
      Susan

  12. Matilda Stepto says:

    Hi Susan I am 9 years old and it’s book week at Ocean Grove Primary and all the students have been asked to write a letter to their favourite author and you are mine. I love your Verity Sparks books I have read both of them, I can’t wait till your third one is published. Thanks for writing these fantastic,adventurerous books and even my Mum has read them! 🙂

    • susan says:

      Hi Matilda,
      Thanks for your message. I am very flattered to hear that I am your favourite author! I am still working on the 3rd Verity book. I can tell you that it will be called Verity Sparks and the Scarlet Hand, and it will be released in June 2015.I hope you enjoyed Book Week. Have you read A Most Unusual Pursuit by Catherine Jinks? It is set in Victorian London (like The Truth About Verity Sparks) and it’s very exciting. A bit scary, too. I enjoyed it very much. All the best,
      Susan

  13. Meagan says:

    Hi Susan! I have read this piece so many times now, but I still find it interesting every time! You probably wouldn’t remember me, but I certainly remember you! You signed my book (the truth about verity sparks) when I was on a holiday to Castlemaine. I often look back at the page and think about how amazing it was to meet you! I was just wondering if you had a set time for the arrival of your 3rd Verity Sparks book? or if you are still going to even publish it??

    Thank you so much, and I cant wait to see more amazing reads from you.
    Meagan

    • susan says:

      Hi Meagan,
      I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reply…! What’s my explanation? I have been busy finishing the next Verity Sparks book, Verity Sparks and the Scarlet Hand. There IS a release date – it’s August (not June now) this year. It is set in Castlemaine in 1880, and I have again used some real historical figures – this time, it’s Ernest Leviny (whose house, Buda, is a Castlemaine treasure) and his family. I’m glad you enjoyed meeting me – I always love to meet readers, and I love surprising people in the bookshop when they come up to buy a Verity book by saying, “Actually, I wrote that. Would you like me to sign it?” At first I was a bit shy about doing it, but I realised that people do like to have a signed copy!
      All the best, and thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to write,
      Susan

  14. Skylar Klease says:

    I read this book about two years ago and loved it, the second one was great as well. I had just remembered it and knew I wanted to re-read, but I had completely forgotten the title, (it’s much better than Verity Jones). So I went onto Google books for an hour writing phrases of the plot line and coming up with sentences to describe Verity, and finally remembered your book was short listed for the 2012 children’s book council, and went to their website to find your book. Lo and behold I’m here and so glad I found this website. I truly enjoyed this series and you’re a very inspiring author, with an abundance of talent,
    Cheers Skylar

  15. Fe says:

    I’ve read this book at least three times and loved it more every time. I’ve tried hard to find the second one, but to no avail. I like writing myself, and you are a great role model. If my writing ever becomes a tenth of as good as yours (if that makes any sense) I’ll be more than satisfied,
    Please keep writing,
    Fe.

    • susan says:

      Hi Fe,
      I think your comment slipped by me – so sorry – blame the Christmas and New Year silly season for that. Thank you for letting me know that you liked by book – the second one, ‘Verity Sparks Lost and Found’ is in print and should be fairly widely available. Dymocks seem to have all three in stock. If you enjoy writing, keep at it and don’t be too self-critical. Readers only generally see the polished final product as it appears in print – if you could read the first drafts you might get a surprise! It’s like anything else -practise. And of course, read!
      All the best, and many thanks for taking the time to write,
      Susan

  16. Poppy says:

    Hi Susan!
    I have read each and everyone of your verity sparks books at least twice and loved every minute of reading them!!! was just wondering a few things… is there going to be a fourth? and if so, will the character Harold from the third be in it? and Della Parker, will she? Also how old is Verity in the third? thanks so much! keep writing amazing books!!!!!
    from your biggest fan since 2011.
    Poppy
    P.s yes, Poppy is my real name!

  17. Brianna says:

    Hi Susan

    I have read your first book and I was so in to it I am writing a review on it

    Thanks and PS is there an Illustrator in you book

    • susan says:

      HI Brianna,
      Thanks for writing – I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the first book in the series. The cover art is by illustrator Lisa Coutts.
      All the best,

      Susan

  18. Lindsey Warren says:

    I am thinking of using your book, Verity Sparks Diamonds and Deception, for my Children’s Reading group. I am looking for inspiration for activities that they can do, once they have read the book.
    I found this article very interesting, amazing how you pull the characters and places together.

    Lindsey

  19. Emily says:

    Hi Susan Green
    I was just wondering how old verity was in the book? I’m writing an essay for school on your book and I would just like to know 🙂

    Thanks
    Emily

    • susan says:

      Hi Emily, sorry I took a while to get back to you but I’ve been away. Verity is 13 when the story starts. Hope your school work goes well.
      All the best,
      Susan

  20. cassandra says:

    Hi
    I have just read Verity Sparks and the scarlet hand, if you are doing another book if yes, when will it come out?
    thanks
    Cassandra

  21. cassandra says:

    sorry forgot this, what will its name be?
    Cassandra

    • susan says:

      Hi there Cassandra, glad to hear you’ve read the books and thank you for writing to me, I really appreciate it. At this stage, there are no plans for another Verity Sparks story. The book I’m working on now, “I Am Hattie Raven”, will come out around the middle of next year. It’s also set in the Victorian era, though a bit earlier than the Verity books (1861) and there are elements of magic and fantasy in it. I’m enjoying writing it: I hope the readers will enjoy it too.
      All the best, Susan

  22. Mike says:

    Hi Susan,

    Here’s a mysterious coincidence worthy of Verity!

    My ten year old daughter and I love reading together. We’re currently reading Verity Sparks Lost and Found.

    We were dumbfounded last week when we reached page 44, and were introduced to Charlotte Rowland, “My name is Charlotte Victoria Rowland and I’ve got a dog called Muffin and a canary called Pip”

    You see, my daughter’s name is Charlotte; no huge coincidence there (although her grandmother is named Victoria!). However, for the past five years Charlotte has owned two pet guinea pigs – one named Pip and one Muffin! Now that’s pretty strange!

    Charlotte and I are wondering how you chose the names for Lottie’s dog and canary?

    • susan says:

      Hi there, what a coincidence that is! I chose those names totally at random. I just wanted a couple of pet’s names.
      didn’t use any of my own pet’s names (our guineas were called Bibble and Puff!) although I used to know a pony called Muffin (who was a horrible creature and once bit me on the bottom). They just seemed like cute names. It just goes to show….something! I don’t know what! There is probably a mathematical program which could compute the statistical probability of such a coincidence, but I reckon it’s got to be pretty rare. One pet name, but both?
      All the best, Susan

  23. Lyndal Wilbers says:

    Dear Susan,
    I adore the character of Verity Sparks and I am writing a literature unit for my Grade 6 class about it! I hope you don’t mind me asking for your advice….. I would like to select a significant section of the text (about 150 words) for the students to examine in terms of genre, discourse and vocabulary. I would also like the students to look at the grammar in the same section and how it helps construct meaning. I am having a hard time choosing one, what part do you suggest? I love your work!

    • susan says:

      HI there Lyndal,
      Thank you so much. It’s always lovely to know that someone has enjoyed Verity. As for choosing a section of the text…very difficult! How about p 25, starting with “Verity Sparks, I propose to you that you have…” going on to Verity’s response and her thoughts about the accusation. There’s a good contrast between Saddington’s formal, educated English and Verity’s ‘uneducated” but lively vocabulary and expression.It’s also quite dramatic, especially if you include Verity’s fingers beginning to itch.
      Hope it all goes well,
      cheers,
      Susan

  24. Lyndal Wilbers says:

    Thank you so much! I really appreciate your advice. I can’t wait to show my class that a “real-life author” responded to me (they will be thrilled!)

  25. Skye says:

    Greetings from the Philippines! I came across a book named Diamonds and Deception from a huge book sale here in my country. I’m currently in the middle of the book now and I’m really hooked! I love the settings and Verity’s narration is written in a nice balance. I can’t help but wonder if this book I’m reading is the same with The Truth About Verity Sparks. So far, upon researching, it seems similar to me. If they are the same book, why did you change the title? Plus, I really adore the cover of Diamonds and Deception – it’s what caught my eyes. Anyways, I hope this message finds you in good health ^_^ I really love what I’m reading right now and if the books I mentioned are similar, I’ll proceed to reading the rest of the books in the Verity series 🙂

    • susan says:

      Hi there Skye,

      Thank you so much for getting in touch with me – lovely to hear from you. Yes, the books are practically identical; there is just a minor change of a few words to the last section.
      Regarding the change of title, it’s not really my decision. When the publishers decided to sell The Truth About Verity Sparks in the UK, they wanted a title and cover that was quite different to the Australian one, BUT also a bit similar to another series that had been popular with British readers. I’m glad that you’re enjoying Verity’s adventures!
      All the best,
      Susan

  26. I.K says:

    Is there going to be a fourth book?

    • susan says:

      No, Verity Sparks and the Scarlet Hand is the last in the series and there will be no more Verity Sparks novels.

  27. Michael Smart says:

    Hi Susan

    My 10 year old daughter has fallen in love with Verity Sparks, and has just devoured the second book on Christmas eve after receiving it as a gift! Thank you for writing such a wonderful series. We are however unable to find an affordable copy of the Scarlet Hand. It seems to be quite scarce, with the asking price of second hand copies being $40-$50! Would you have any available, or know where we may be able to locate a copy?

    Are you also still living in Castlemaine? It’s such a beautiful town, and one of my favourites! 🙂 I grew up in Central Victoria (Stawell), and lived for a couple of years in Kyneton before moving to Queensland with my family about 8 years ago. When I return to visit family, I always pass through the area. It really feels like home to me.

    • susan says:

      Hi there Michael,

      Thank you so much for letting me know about your daughter and Verity Sparks; it’s such a genuine thrill to hear that readers connect with her still, after all these years.
      I’m surprised to hear that you’re having such a time finding the last book, but I suppose that’s what happens with out of print titles. I don’t have any spare copies, I’m sorry to say. Perhaps you could try your local library? or an inter-library loan? I just checked, and my local Goldfields library system has copies.
      Please pass on my regards to your daughter, and I hope you have some luck with Verity Sparks and the Scarlet Hand.
      Cheers S

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