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AFTER THE FLOOD - Out July 2008
The author, about 13
Hi, Here's My Latest News
Hello there, wherever you are, from my home by the sea! Welcome to my website - I hope you have fun finding out more about my books, and a bit about me and the things I like. Don't forget to check back from time to time, as I'll be adding stuff whenever I get the chance.
Latest news - Lexi wins Lancashire Fantastic Book Award! Thanks so much to all the children who voted!New title "After The Flood" due out July 2008...See below for more details.
Readers - I love to hear from you! Use the contact details below.Teachers and other educators - you'll find lots of useful resources, and I'm hoping to add more. If you have developed your own, and wish to share them with others, please contact me (see bottom of page) and I'll add them to the site. I offer workshops and author visits if time allows - click here: CONTACT THE AUTHOR
US readers please note "snail mail" is often taking many months to reach me here in the UK, as it is being forwarded between publishers etc. It may be best to contact me via email if you would like a reply within a reasonable time frame. For those of you who have sent mail: Thank you so much for your lovely comments, cards and photos which I really enjoy. I hope my replies have reached you a little more quickly!
AFTER THE FLOOD - Out July 2008
"
Set in a future where the effects of climate change begin to take hold, the story follows Jack and Michael as they try to cope with a new existence. After a dramatic escape from the approaching floods, Jack and his family relocate to the country, where they meet Michael, ill and cared for by his sister. United by their love for horses, Jack and Michael hatch a plan to save a wild young horse from destruction. But they're in for a rough ride ! Warm and full of heart, this is a hugely enjoyable story with a thought-provoking twist in its tail."
Bookbag reviewer Jill Murphy wrote:
"I loved, loved, loved After the Flood. It's simply written, with the flavour of fable about it, so it's approachable by fairly young children. If they enjoy Michael Morpurgo, they'll enjoy this book. It has the same story-telling feel. Yet, as a forty-something, fairly jaded reader, its honest simplicity appealed greatly to me. I'd recommend any adult read it as much as I'd recommend any child....
...A beautiful fable set in a post-fossil fuel Britain. It combines a slightly dystopian future existence with a story of a precious relationship. Beautifully told with an elegant but piercing simplicity. "
Detailed review from The Bookbag here: http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php/After_the_Flood_by_L_S_Matthews
Available to preorder from all good book sellers including Amazon and Tesco online.
Contact The Author
You can send a message to me via my UK publisher's website (www.madaboutbooks.com)
Or you can email:
You can also use this email address to enquire about purchasing author-signed copies (standard RRP and P&P)
LEXI
Winner of Lancashire Fantastic Book Award, 2008!
My latest book, dedicated to those who work with the homeless - I hope you enjoy it.
A DOG FOR LIFE
- My brother Tom was ill. So ill, they couldn't even say if he was going to get better. But for me and Tom, the worst thing of all was that they wanted to take our dog away. To avoid infection, they said. Well, if anything was going to stop Tom getting better, that was it. I had to save our dog. But once we'd set off, nothing turned out the way we'd planned ...
Author comment: Suitable for adults as well as children, with content which may be useful for those dealing with issues of bereavement. Educators/ liaison groups: Gypsy/traveller issues
But plenty of humour as usual...
Available at all good booksellers. Also shortly available in these formats: BBC Audio Large Print, Random House (USA):CD audio, download audio, hardcover library binding (click on link below)
The Telegraph said: "This is the kind of story we might have read as children but which is rarely written now....children of eight to 11 will love it. And so did I."
FISH
Fish has won The Fidler Award, Highly Commended for the Branford Boase and other awards, and was nominated for a Carnegie Medal and Lamplighter Award. It is one of the ALA Notable Books 2005 and Publishers Weekly Best Books 2004.
The French edition of Fish, L’histoire du poisson dans sa bouteille , published by Gallimard, was shortlisted for the Prix Sorcieres 2006. This makes it one of the four best books published in France last year for the 9-12 category, according to the panel of French booksellers that attributed the prize.
I'm delighted that Fish has been published and translated all over the world - including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy,Turkey, Portugal, Korea and Iran...it is, after all, a generic tale, meant for everyone. .
THE OUTCASTS
Mia has some severe social issues. Iz and his friend Joe while virtually harmless can't seem to stay out of trouble. Helen has a secret and little time for a social life. Chris is really smart but a little lazy. These school misfits who have nothing but their outcast status in common, all jump at the chance to go on this trip and embark on an unforgettable journey.
What I liked best about this story was that I think every reader can identify with at least one of the characters. The uniqueness that seems like a hindrance back home actually helps them on this trip and each of these characters gets to step beyond their outcast label and prove their worth during their adventure.
This is a fanciful story about five unlikely but loveable heroes and another side of life as they know it; filled with obstacles, nets and dimensions. But don't be fooled into thinking this is light reading with little substance. There are some important lessons and discoveries along the way. I absolutely LOVED this book. L.S. Matthews weaves a flawless fantasy that captures your heart and sends your imagination into new and sometimes scary territory."
OTHER TITLES (SEN)
ALSO available now:
DEADLY NIGHT by L. S. Matthews
Format: Paperback ISBN: 0340915552 Published: 24 February 2006 Publisher: Hodder Arnold Series: Livewire Chillers Series
and THE GAME by L. S. Matthews
Format: Paperback ISBN: 034091551X Published: 24 February 2006 Publisher: Hodder Arnold Series: Livewire Fiction Series
Stimulating and accessible, the "Livewire" series is produced in association with the Basic Skills Agency to suit the abilities of readers with special needs. They provide teenage/adult interest level books for those with reading ages below ten, colour-coded for different levels of difficulty.
Links
"A gripping adventure story...a clever fantasy drama woven around the concepts of time and space in physics, and a "networking" technique" Tower Hamlets Library Science Week
"Children will relish this suspenseful survival tale. Older readers will ponder its meaning and find the story resonating in their minds long after they put down the book" - Patte Kelley - Carnegie Library's 2004 Summer Reading Club
"It is an extremely enjoyable book, and because of its constantly changing story lines, it is difficult to put down!...
A Dog for Life is a great follow up to her first book, and is sure to become a firm favourite with adults and children alike. This wonderful tale could be easily read again and again and will be well worn on the bookshelf."
Rowena Betts Feb 2006
These links take you to the Hodder Headline site, where you can read some reviews and order books. More reviews? There are too many to fit on my site - for best results, just do a general web search.