Brian is an award-winning international author and writing coach. He is a highly sought-after speaker in schools around Australia, the US and New Zealand. His infectious enthusiasm, humour and energy make every appearance a popular and memorable one. He is the author of more than twenty novels for children and young adults, published in fifteen countries in seven languages.

His most recent YA novel is Katipo Joe - Wolf's Lair - the epic conclusion to the Katipo Joe trilogy.  Inspired by true events, Katipo Joe is a story of incredible heroism, unlikely friendships and unbearable tragedy, set against the backdrop of World War II. Joe has now penetrated the very heart of the Nazi spiderweb, spying on Adolf Hitler and his cronies as the Second World War gains momentum and Germany begins its crucial invasion of the Soviet Union. But British Intelligence wants Hitler dead. Joe must use all his skills and put not only his own life at risk, but the lives of the people he most cares about.

 Outstanding Feedback

I would like to thank you for facilitating the visit of Brian Falkner to my school.  I would like to pass on to you, feedback of the event.

I had already seen Brian in action when he visited my school in August 2010.  I felt quite confident that he would engage my students and he did not disappoint today.   I had another agenda with this event however.  As the initial Network event for the Year of Reading, I wanted to set the bar for the other Teacher Librarians.  We have often discussed doing joint events and sharing the load of organising an event that would cater for the passionate and talented young readers and writers in our schools.

I discussed via email with Brian my idea of the day workshop being a three act performance.  He was very obliging with my requests and today has proved himself, once again, a flexible and engaging speaker.  He had two separate audiences of  50 and 80 children, doing two different activities, one following the other.  Some authors might feel flustered by such a challenge, however he managed the whole day with a calm and professional attitude.

Brian did an excellent job of lighting the spark for our writers; he entertained and challenged the year 6 cohort with a Story Sports session and he finished the day with a focus on Improving the Story with the young writers.  Some of the ideas that these children shared with us were not only imaginative but quite sophisticated.  It really is a joy to see what young writers are capable of when they have a good stimulus, a clear plan and someone who will fan the spark with enthusiasm.

Judging from some of the feedback from my students, it will be extremely hard to keep a copy of Brian's books on my shelves.  I also believe that his website, which is quite well designed, will receive a number of hits tonight from children wanting to know more about him.   I thank Brian for his efforts today and would heartily recommend him for any school looking for an obliging and engaging speaker.

Corinda State School, March, 2012.