Sonya Hartnett was born on 23 March 1968 in Box Hill, Victoria. She is an Australian author of fiction for adults, young adults, and children who has published many novels to international acclaim. In 2008 Sonya was the recipient of the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. The prize is awarded to authors, illustrators, narrators and/or promoters of reading whose work reflects the spirit of Astrid Lindgren. It is the first time this award has gone to an Australian.