Deborah Abela - Biography

Biography

After leaving school Abela studied for a Diploma of Teaching (Secondary School) before traveling around the world for three years. On her return to Australia she completed a degree in Communications, majoring in writing and film theory at UTS in 1995. She then worked in children's television for seven years, firstly in the script department at the production house Southern Star, then as Assistant Producer and Producer/Writer on Cheez TV. In December 2001 she left television to write her first novel, Max Remy Superspy Part 1: In Search of the Time and Space Machine, which was subsequently published in March 2002. The ten book series of Max Remy Super Spy has been published in six countries. Her books are published in other countries, including Germany and Brazil

2012 Shortlisted for USBBY Outstanding International Book Awards, USA for The Ghost of Gribblesea Pier (Australian title, The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen) You can watch the trailer at: http://deborahabela.com/site/Video_Clips.html

2012 Current Premier's Reading Challenge Ambassador NSW

2012 Nominated Ambassador for the National Year of Reading, Australia.

In 2011 Her novel Grimsdon, about children living in a flooded city, was shortlisted for the REAL, Aurealis and Speech Pathology Awards as well as being awarded Fav kids book in the Kids Book Review. You can watch the trailer for Grimsdon at: http://www.deborahabela.com/site/Grimsdon_Preview.html

Her book, The Remarkable Secret of Aurelia Bonhoffen, was shortlisted for best children's book in the 2010 Aurealis Awards and was awarded "Notable Book of 2010" by the Children's Book Council of Australia.

In 2010 Deborah was made National Literacy Ambassador by the Federal Government. Her role to promote literature and reading to kids all over Australia.

In 2010 Her Max Remy Superspy series was shortlisted in both the YABBA and KOALA awards. Both awards are voted for by children from Victoria and NSW.

In 2009, Deborah was selected as an Ambassador for the New South Wales Premier’s Reading Challenge, and the NSW Premier’s Westpac Spelling Bee Challenge.

In 2008, She was awarded the May Gibbs Fellowship for Children’s Literature, and her series Max Remy Superspy was voted by the public in to the Top 50 Children’s Books (Angus & Robertson).

2007 Shortlisted Children's Book Council Awards of America, as well as the WAYRBA, KOALA and YABBA popular awards in WA, NSW and Victoria.

Shortlisted in the Annual Ellie awards. Alabama, USA.

In 2005 Deborah was awarded the New York Gold Oppenheim Toy and Book Award.