G Brassi

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brassi, G. (BRASSINGTON, Gretchen) (1942 -) is a children's writer whose books explore realistic situations where endeavour overcomes adversity.

After twenty-five years' teaching children aged from three to thirteen years, Brassi began a second career as a children's author. She has a long-standing interest in children's reading and writing development and wrote a weekly child-based column for a district newspaper during her own children's early school years. Brassi enjoys visiting schools to discuss her writing and that of the children she meets.

Many of Brassi's stories focus on outdoor adventure. Attacked (1999) is the story of a fishing adventure which takes place around the islands near Whitianga. Mayday (2000) and Riding the Rough (2000) also take place on the water, reflecting the author's interest in boats and sailing.

Skull Island (2001) is a light-hearted story for younger children about a jewellery heist and a rescue involving a cranky cat and a ferry load of elderly passengers.

Paperchase (Scholastic, 2006) is a story about two runaway sisters who are intent on discovering the whereabouts in Australia of their father, who they have not seen for eight years. However, a federal agent has linked them to a robbery and is intent on bringing them to justice. They are forced into hiding and a race against time across country, calling on the aid of Liam, a teenage racing driver, to help them.

Four of her books, Attacked, Mayday, Skull Island, and Paperchase, have been included in the Storylines Children's Literature Notable NZ Books lists.

MEDIA LINKS AND CLIPS

• G Brassi in Christchurch City Library's Interviews with NZ Children's Authors
• G Brassi's short story: The Tiki Tour