Susan Brocker has written over 50 books for children, both fiction and non-fiction, which have been published worldwide. She has a history degree and a great love of social history that is reflected in her books. She also has a close affinity and love of animals which shines through in her writing.
Susan wanted to write a book set in New Zealand for many years on a topic close to her heart – the wild Kaimanawa horses. In 2007, HarperCollins published her first New Zealand novel for older children, Restless Spirit, an adventure story about a desperate race to save a wild Kaimanawa stallion. In 2009, Susan’s faithful old German shepherd, Layla, inspired her second novel, the best-selling Saving Sam.
In March 2010, Susan wrote the true story of a remarkable New Zealand war horse who served with the Mounted Rifles Brigade in the Middle East during World War One. Brave Bess and the ANZAC Horses is her story.
A haiku on a plaque at the site of the Japanese Prisoner of War camp near Featherston inspired Susan’s latest book, Dreams of Warriors. The story is about a 14-year-old girl battling to save the family farm from ruin while her father is away fighting during World War Two.
Susan's latest book, The Wolf in the Wardrobe, is a great adventure story about a 13-year-old-boy who tries to rescue a wolf from the clutches of a crazy clown and keep her as his pet.
Susan lives with her husband and many pets, including horses, in a lovely old villa on a small farm near Tauranga.
Selected Bibliography:
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Famous Animals (Shortland Publications 1995).
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Journey to the New World (Shortland Publications 1999).
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Across the Oregon Trail (Shortland Publications 2001).
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War Heroes (Shortland Publications 2001).
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Cat Culture (Shortland Publications 2001).
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Restless Spirit (HarperCollins 2007).
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Saving Sam (HarperCollins 2009).
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Brave Bess and the ANZAC Horses (HarperCollins 2010).
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Dreams of Warriors (HarperCollins 2010).
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The Wolf in the Wardrobe (HarperCollins 2011).
Awards:
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Storylines Notable Books List 2010 Young Adult Fiction list for Saving Sam.
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Storylines Notable Books List 2011 Non-fiction List for Brave Bess and the ANZAC Horses.
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Storylines Notable Books List 2011 Young Adult Fiction list for Dreams of Warriors.
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LIANZA Esther Glen Award 2011 finalist for Dreams of Warriors.
Website:
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