Hilary McKay
Hilary McKay
Children's Author and Novelist
Full Name and Common Aliases
Hilary McKay is a British author of children's fiction, known for her humorous and poignant novels that often explore the complexities of family relationships.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 4, 1959
Nationality and Profession(s)
British, Author/Novelist
Early Life and Background
Hilary McKay grew up in a small town in England, where she developed a love for storytelling and writing from an early age. She spent much of her childhood exploring the countryside and observing the people around her, experiences that would later influence her writing.
McKay's family was not particularly literary, but they encouraged her to pursue her passion for writing. After completing her education, McKay worked as a teacher before deciding to focus on writing full-time.
Major Accomplishments
Hilary McKay is best known for her Cass and the Bubble Boy series, which consists of 10 books that follow the lives of two young sisters, Cass and Indiana, as they navigate family dynamics, friendship, and growing up. The series has been widely praised for its humor, warmth, and insightful portrayal of childhood.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants-style novel, _The Exiles_, was shortlisted for the 2011 Carnegie Medal.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her Cass and Indiana series, McKay has written several standalone novels, including _Corduroy Mansions_ and _Pilfer_. Her works often explore themes of family, friendship, and growing up, with a focus on the complexities and nuances of human relationships.
McKay's writing style is characterized by its wit, humor, and sensitivity. She has been praised for her ability to create relatable characters and storylines that resonate with readers of all ages.
Impact and Legacy
Hilary McKay's novels have had a significant impact on children's literature, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of growing up. Her works have been translated into numerous languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
McKay has also been recognized for her contributions to literacy and education. She has visited schools and libraries, sharing her passion for reading and writing with young people.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Hilary McKay is widely quoted and remembered for her insightful and engaging portrayals of childhood. Her novels offer a unique perspective on the complexities of family relationships, friendships, and growing up, making her one of the most beloved and respected children's authors today.
McKay's writing has been praised by critics and readers alike for its humor, warmth, and sensitivity. Her novels have become classics of children's literature, offering a timeless and relatable exploration of the human experience.
Through her work, McKay continues to inspire young readers and writers, encouraging them to explore their own creativity and imagination. As a testament to her enduring legacy, her novels remain widely read and loved today.
Quotes by Hilary McKay
Hilary McKay's insights on:
This was school, and everything he’d feared. Barren, jarring, stale, always lonely and never alone. He had known it would be bad, and it was.
Michael allowed himself to look at Caddy for the first time since she had climbed into the car. It was a moment that he always put off for as long as possible because his concentration was never quite the same afterwards.
Brain Juice was a recipe invented by Eve years before, when she had had to stay awake all day to look after Caddy and Indigo and Saffron, and all night to take care of the fragile and impermanent baby Rose. It was Coca-Cola with a great deal of instant coffee stirred into it. It was black and frothy and gritty, and it tasted like a primitive, medieval poison, but it banished sleep like magic.
Darling Daddy, This is Rose. The shed needs new wires now it has blown up. Caddy is bringing home rock-bottom boyfriends to see if they will do for Mummy. Instead of you. Love, Rose.
Humans cannot fly, but they can get the flying feeling. All they need to do is go out at night into a wild storm where the thunder roars like applause and the lightning throws itself in daggers of light at your bare feet and you suddenly find you are not afraid.
How can I give you nothing? Do you seriously expect me to buy nothing, wrap up nothing, stick a gift tag on nothing, send a card saying I really hope you like your nothing and lie awake worrying that the nothing I got you was the right color nothing you always anted? Have a heart!
Please do not close the window, Indy, fresh air kills germs.''Hypothermia,' said Indigo, not obeying, 'kills people. And anyway, Rose's lips are going blue.
Miss Farley recognized him.'We must find you a seat near the front!' she cried, loud enough for the whole school to hear and abandoning her raffle tickets in her excitement. 'Recorders! One moment please while we find a place for Baby Jesus's grandad!