Ariel, Zed and the Secret of Life

Ariel had never met anyone who had returned from the Island. Still, her mother said it was a beautiful place, with shiny sand and ancient caves. There was some kind of school there, too, where characters went to learn their proper roles in life. But Concetta had always been a little vague... Deliberately, Ariel thought. Suspiciously. Ariel and Zed are both a bit weird. They're misfits, reluctant to be thrown together for the holidays. But when they reach the mysterious Island, they soon face dangerous adventures, strange new friends and surprising discoveries about themselves and each other - not to mention the secret of life. Winner of the Alan Marshall Award, 1993 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards. 'A rich and intricate story, full of humour, imaginative energy and good sense.' - Cathryn Crowe, The Courier-Mail 'A deliciously clever trickle of humour running through sparkling prose.' - Karen Jameyson, The Horn Book

Auteur
Anna Fienberg gets her ideas from her own dreams, people she meets, snatches of overheard conversation. She always carries a notebook with her in case she hears something interesting.Anna likes to live in books as well as real life. She was once Editor of School Magazine, where she read over a thousand books a year. She wrote plays and stories for the magazine and then began writing her own books. She has written picture books, short stories, junior novels and fiction for teenagers and young adults.Anna's first novel, Pirate Trouble for Wiggy and Boa, was shortlisted for the 1989 Australian Children's Book of the Year awards, The Magnificent Nose and Other Marvels was the winner of the 1992 Australian Children's Book of the Year Award for younger readers, and Tashi was shortlisted for the same award in 1996. Power to Burn was shortlisted for the 1996 NSW Premier's Literary Award, and Borrowed Light was given the ACT Top YA Read Award in 1999.