Publisher's synopsis
An award-winning magic realism story for 10+ readers about finding yourself, ghost-hunting, Chinese mythology and culture.
The flute music stops, and my breath catches in my throat. Silence falls like a veil. Then I hear something – no, I feel it in my chest. ‘Steady yourself,’ Por Por whispers. ‘It’s here…’
When thirteen-year-old Celeste travels to China to visit her grandmother, she uncovers an incredible family secret. And with this secret comes danger and adventure. If Celeste is to save her family and friends, she must learn to harness her rare and powerful gift…
Awards
- Aurealis Award • Winner • 2009 • Children’s Fiction
- CBCA Book of the Year Awards • Notable Book • 2010 • Younger Readers
Gabrielle Wang is an author and illustrator born in Melbourne of Chinese heritage. Her maternal great-grandfather came to Victoria during the Gold Rush and her father is from Shanghai. Her stories are a blend of Chinese and Western culture with a touch of fantasy.
Gabrielle’s first children’s novel, The Garden of Empress Cassia, won the 2002 Aurealis Award, was shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards and was a CBCA Notable Book. The Pearl of Tiger Bay was shortlisted for the 2004 Aurealis Award and The Lion Drummer was a Notable Book in the 2009 CBCA Book of the Year Awards. A Ghost in My Suitcase won the 2009 Aurealis Award, was a CBCA Notable Book, was shortlisted for the 2011 Sakura Medal and received a Highly Commended in the 2010 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. Her first young adult novel, Little Paradise also received a Highly Commended in the 2011 Prime Minister’s Awards
Gabrielle is the Australian Children’s Laureate 2022–2023.
Photo by Lei Lei Clavey, courtesy of Penguin Random House
