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Marita Conlon-McKenna is one of Ireland’s best-loved children’s authors, best known for the modern classic Under the Hawthorn Tree. If you grew up with her books — or you’re reading them with your own kids now — here are 10 things you might not know about the woman behind the stories.
1. She was born in Dublin in 1956 and adopted soon afterwards.
2. Marita grew up in Goatstown, Dublin, but her family also had a second home in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, where she spent many happy summers.
3. Marita attended school at Mount Anville. She loved English, Art and History, and was always fascinated by the Famine period of Irish history.
She says, “I lived in a world of imagination and wanted to be a mermaid, to be a cowboy, an Indian, be able to fly like Peter Pan, be a Roman gladiator, a Viking… my head was always so full of stories. Then I began to realise what I really wanted to be was a writer.”
*4. Marita’s first book, Under the Hawthorn Tree, was inspired by a radio report about the discovery of an unmarked children’s grave from Famine times, with three bodies found under a hawthorn tree.*
5. Marita has won several literary awards, including the Bisto Book of the Year Award, the International Reading Association Award, the Österreichischer Kinder- und Jugendbuchpreis, and the Reading Association of Ireland Award.
*6. Marita has four children — Amanda (Mandy), Fiona, Laura and James. Under the Hawthorn Tree was written for her eldest daughter, Mandy.*
7. Marita has coeliac disease, an intolerance to wheat.
8. Marita’s favourite colour is blue.
9. She started writing stories and keeping a diary from the age of eight. Her first book was published in 1990.
10. Marita has written books for both children and adults.
If you’d like to know more about her career, take a look at our full Marita Conlon-McKenna author profile, and visit her official website for previews of her books and behind-the-scenes photos.
FAQ
Who is Marita Conlon-McKenna?
Marita Conlon-McKenna is an Irish author best known for her children’s book Under the Hawthorn Tree, along with many other books for children and adults.
What is Marita Conlon-McKenna’s most famous book?
Her best-known work is Under the Hawthorn Tree, a story set during the Irish Famine, inspired by a real-life discovery of an unmarked children’s grave.
Does Marita Conlon-McKenna have children?
Yes, she has four children — Amanda (Mandy), Fiona, Laura and James. Under the Hawthorn Tree was written for her eldest daughter.
When did Marita Conlon-McKenna start writing?
She began writing stories and keeping a diary from the age of eight, and her first book was published in 1990.
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- Marita Conlon-McKenna: Author Profile
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