About the Author

Margaret Wild is one of Australia's most highly respected and popular children's authors. She was born in South Africa and emigrated to Australia in 1972. Margaret has worked as a journalist and an editor of children's books, and is now writing full-time. Since her first book in 1984, Margaret has published over thirty picture books, including the acclaimed The Very Best of Friends (1990 Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year), Let the Celebrations Begin! (shortlisted, 1992 CBCA Picture Book awards), Toby (shortlisted, 1994 CBCA Picture Book awards), Old Pig (shortlisted, 1996 CBCA Picture Book awards), The Midnight Gang (Honour Book, 1997 CBCA Picture Book awards), First Day', Rosie and Tortoise, Jenny Angel (2000 CBCA Picture Book of the Year), Fox (2001 CBCA Picture Book of the Year), and Jinx (shortlisted, 2002 CBCA Book of the Year awards).

Reviews

Margaret Wild's love of language, ability to create scenes and communicate feelings make One Nighta joy to read aloud or to listen to with the inner ear.'Lyn Linning, Magpies Volume Eighteen One Nighthas left me with an affirmation of the poetry inherent in life and language Margaret Wild is a powerful poet and novelist'Lyn Linning, Magpies Volume Eighteenwill leave you whooping with delight' Fiona Lowe,uk

Margaret Wild's love of language, ability to create scenes and communicate feelings make One Nighta joy to read aloud or to listen to with the inner ear.'Lyn Linning, Magpies Volume Eighteen One Nighthas left me with an affirmation of the poetry inherent in life and language Margaret Wild is a powerful poet and novelist'Lyn Linning, Magpies Volume Eighteenwill leave you whooping with delight' Fiona Lowe,uk

Gr 9 Up-Angry at his mother for deserting him, hunky Gabe treats the many girls he meets with a "love them and leave them" attitude. He and his buddies function as a well-oiled machine when it comes to throwing parties, hiding the dysfunction in their families and their personalities behind a smooth facade. Helen, who was born with a disfigured face, hopes to become a plastic surgeon someday. After a one-night stand with Gabe, her world is shattered when she finds that she is pregnant. Written in verse, the book details each small failure and success along the journey toward Gabe and Helen feeling comfortable in the world again. The book takes a sensitive and thoughtful look at a number of other characters as well, each of whom has been betrayed in some way and is dealing, or refusing to deal, with the grief of the situation. Teen readers will love this story and will appreciate its hopeful ending.-Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.