ALISON ALLEN-GRAY

After University (Drama and English at UCW Aberystwyth) Alison joined a theatre company and set about converting an old cinema in Eastbourne into a performing arts centre. Many innovative theatre companies performed here (some now famous!) and the film society and other community groups had a home at the venue. Alison worked as a performer and scriptwriter, writing four musicals, two of them for children. Since then she has worked as a professional actor and a magazine editor – both skills that feed into her writing. Alison loves writing for young adults –so much to explore and such an astute audience!

ALISON’S BOOKS

WILDCAT ON SAFARI

Music and lyrics by Neil Brand
Josef Weinberger (1990)
A musical play for children

THE LOST KITTEN
Illustrated by Joanne Moss, Magi Publications (1998)
A picture book for 3-7 year-olds

UNIQUE
Oxford University Press (2004)

A rite-of-passage novel with a topical twist, for young adults.

‘Absorbing and timely…develops from a cautionary tale to a full-blown thriller…genuinely enthralling.’ The Guardian

Unique won the Stockport Schools’ Book Award. It was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for the North East Book Award, The South Lanarkshire Award, The Angus Book Award, The Branford Boase Award and the Booktrust Teenage Prize.

LIFEGAME
Oxford University Press (2009)

Fella and Grebe have grown up on The Island, believing that a bio-chemical attack has left everything beyond its shores toxic. But when Fella discovers his dead mother’s diary, a different story is revealed. Fella and Grebe make their escape from the Island, only to discover that a sinister truth links their lives in ways they could never have imagined.

For young adults. A fast-paced and provocative thriller that grips throughout.