V M Jones
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jones, V. M (Vicky) (1958 –) is a junior fiction novelist. She was born in Zambia and educated in Zimbabwe. She completed a BA in English, Archaeology and Social Anthropology from the University of Cape Town and is a qualified gemmologist. Jones has lived in Christchurch with her husband and two children since 1997.
On her first novel, Buddy (2002), Ian Sharp wrote in the Sunday Star Times that it is ‘a remarkably assured first novel exploring difficult issues (puberty, jealousy, sexual stirrings, broken families, fear of failure), Buddy marks the arrival of an impressive new talent.’
Buddy won Best in Junior Fiction and the Best First Book Award at the 2003 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. 'Funny and moving, extremely well written and a real page-turner', said the judges of this debut novel. 'In Josh Crawford, Jones has created a tremendously likeable character, on the cusp of adulthood.' Buddy was also shortlisted for the 2003 Esther Glen Medal, and included in the 2003 Storylines Notable Junior Fiction list.
Juggling with Mandarins (2003) tells the story of a pivotal time in the life of a young boy. Pip feels he is being called on to fulfil sporting ambitions that his father can no longer achieve. He is also struggling with his changing feelings for the girl next door. As well as learning to juggle mandarins, he learns how to juggle new feelings and relationships.
The Serpents of Arakesh was also released in 2003. When Adam Equinox stumbles across the entry form for a chance to work with software genius Quentin Quested test driving a top secret breakthrough in computer game technology, Adam enters a world he never dreamed existed. The boundaries between fantasy and reality begin to break down in Book One of the Karazan Quartet.
Juggling with Mandarins and The Serpents of Arakesh were both finalists in the junior fiction category for the 2004 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Juggling with Mandarins won Best in Junior Fiction. Both works were also listed as 2004 Storylines Notable Junior Fiction Books.
Beyond the Shroud (HarperCollins, 2004) is the second book of the Karazan Quartet. Adam Equinox and his friends believe they've said farewell to the fantasy world of Karazan but they couldn't be more wrong. To rescue Hannah, Qs precious daughter, the five friends must undertake the most hazardous journey of all: beyond the shroud to Shakesh and into the stronghold of the evil King Karazeel. Beyond the Shroud was a finalist in the Junior Fiction Category of the 2005 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Prince of the Wind (HarperCollins, 2004) is the third book in the Karazan Quartet. There's someone new behind the closed door of Matron's office. And he has plans for Highgate . . . plans that will bring Adam's world crashing down around his ears. Face to face with harsh reality, Adam feels as if his adventures in the fantasy world of Karazan happened a lifetime ago.
Beyond the Shroud and Prince of the Wind were both listed as 2005 Storylines Notable Junior Fiction Books.
Quest for the Sun is the final instalment in the Karazan Quartet (HarperCollins, 2005). Adam Equinox has discovered his true identity, heritage and destiny and, at last, he has found somewhere he belongs. But Adam turns the final page of Zaronel's diary, and discovers a secret: there was not one baby prince, but two...
Shooting the Moon (HarperCollins) was listed as a 2007 Storylines Notable Young Adult Fiction Book.
Echo and Hush (2008) and The Naughtiest Puppy (2009), illustrated by Scott Tulloch, tell the story of high-country farmdogs Echo and Hush, and their rambunctious offspring. Published by HarperCollins NZ.
MEDIA LINKS AND CLIPS
- Juggling with Mandarins features in the Summer 2003 Issue of BRAT: Books for Readers and Teachers.
- Storylines profile for V M Jones
