Born on 8th February 1962, Malorie Blackman has written over 50 books and is acknowledged as one of today’s most imaginative and convincing writers for young readers. She has been awarded numerous prizes for her work, including the Red House Children’s Book Award and the Fantastic Fiction Award. In 2005, Blackman received an OBE for her services to children’s literature in 2008. The Times has described her as 'a national treasure'.