Author Archives: fionaconlonmckenna

The International Book Club

Posted on by

Great to hear about ‘The International Book Club’ who are busy reading my book Wildflower Girl on both sides of the Atlantic. ‘The International Book Club’ was set up by Patrica Nolan in Ferrybank Library in Kilkenny and involves pupils from Our Lady of Good Counsel in Kilkenny, Ireland and TYWLS (The Young Women’s Leadership School), The Bronx, New York. The students Skype and blog about the book they are both reading and it is certainly a great way to talk about books and literature! So I am very pleased that they have chosen my book!

In Wildflower Girl Peggy O’Driscoll makes that awful journey across the Atlantic Ocean from Ireland to America in the steerage hold of a ship packed with people trying to escape poverty and devastation after The Great Irish Famine. Arriving in America, Peggy soon discovers how tough life in a new country can be as she struggles to survive and works as a maid. It is the story of so many people and the courage and spirit needed by all those who put foot on American soil for that first time and decided to work and build a new life there and become Americans.
I really enjoyed writing and researching the book and hope everyone will also enjoy reading it!

Nelson Mandela

Posted on by

The death of Nelson Mandela has saddened the whole world. Having visited Robben Island, where he was imprisoned for many long years…you realise the dignity, spirit and strength of the man and his quest for human rights, peace and tolerance. Hearing that we were from Ireland, the guides congratulated us on Ireland’s anti- apartheid stance and the courage of the Dunne’s Stores strikers who had refused to handle South African goods at that time.
So it is wonderful to see Mary Manning and some of the other Dunne’s strikers taking part in Nelson Mandela’s Funeral and the Commemorations of the great man’s life in South Africa. As the world says goodbye to Madiba…it is important that his message of ‘togetherness’ is not forgotten.

Wonderful Shanghai Book Fair

Posted on by

Back from a busy week at the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair.It was my first visit to China and I was very honoured to talk at the Book Fair itself and also to get the chance to meet publishers, editors, translators along with Chinese writers and readers. Ireland Literature Exchange had a stand at the Book Fair and Sinead MacAodha certainly flew the flag for Irish writing and books. She also very kindly introduced my event at the Fair.
Along with some great Chinese children’s writers I was asked to read at a packed evening event at Changning District Library. It was lovely to meet so many young readers who had come along with their parents.
Visiting a busy Shanghai School in a city of 20 million people was a highlight. Being given the chance to tour the school and meet and talk to some of their students about my books and writing was very special. I had a wonderful translator Fei who ensured that there was no problem with communicating over the few days.
I have learned so much about China and found its people open and welcoming and interested in books and writing and most of all imagination…

China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair

Posted on by

I’m really excited getting packed and ready to go to the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair in China this week. Hope to meet lots of lovely readers as I will be talking at ‘The Fair’ and also in a local school about my books. Full of curiosity to discover the world of Chinese children’s books and writing and am looking forward to meeting some Chinese children’s writers.

Shanghai Banner

Happy Halloween

Posted on by

School’s out and I’ve had a wonderful time during Children’s Book Festival meeting lots of you in libraries and schools all over the country. But now it’s time to tell a few spooky stories! Read a few spooky books and have a great Halloween Trick or Treating with your friends!