The winner is Joan Melrose for her book Born Between Worlds. I have had the pleasure of editing this book for Joan.
163 votes were cast for one or another of the 10 finalists. Of these, Joan's book received 33. Further details of the voting can be found in my newsletter, Bobbing Around.
I asked Joan to write something about herself. Here is her response:
At 17 with a one way ticket and $15, Joan Melrose left London and caught the ferry across the British Channel and commenced her life as a traveler. By bus, train, boats and planes she visited ancient cities, rolling hills, seas, deserts and mountains, settling finally in Australia.
Having spent most of her school life drawing pictures and scribbling stories Joan decided to revisit her education and gained a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Having worked mainly with disadvantaged youth Joan now teaches at a high school in Sydney. Born Between Worlds is her first book.
ENTRY 3
Born Between Worlds
Duran is overwhelmed when his father dumps him in a strange city with grandparents he has not seen since he was a baby - 14 years a go. However, his grandparents are nice and so are some of the students at his local high school especially Kelly.
There's only one big problem; Duran cannot remember anything prior to his arrival in Sydney. When he questions his grandmother she becomes really distressed, telling him that Duran's mother, her daughter died giving birth to him.
Also strange things are happening to him: like someone is taking over his mind and making him do things like screw up a drawing he is doing in art class; a drawing of a city with spaceships. Then there is the drawing of a silver bird that seems so important to him but he does not know why.
The truth is only revealed when Duran's father Astren, transmits an urgent message to him one night, informing him that the alien city Duran grew up in on Earth has been destroyed. He and the other inhabitants have escaped Earth not able to return for him. Duran is then given back his full memory, his alien powers and access to a spaceship. And he is told to do nothing!
That's when the trouble really begins…