WINNER OF THE READINGS CHILDREN'S PRIZE 2023
WINNER OF THE CHILDREN'S PEACE LITERATURE AWARD 2023
WINNER OF THE ABDA BOOK DESIGN AWARDS 2023 BEST DESIGNED CHILDREN'S FICTION COVER
Hero doesn't feel like a hero, but sometimes she feels as if the universe is asking her to be one.
When Aria, a mysterious boy who never EVER speaks, starts at school and is picked on by His Royal Thug-ness Doofus (Rufus), Hero and her bestie Jaz feel compelled to help. But they're far too chicken to actually do anything heroic, so they befriend Aria and try to uncover the truth about him.
This is the story of a 12-year-old refugee who's trying to establish a new life in Australia, grapple with his past and, most importantly, find his voice.
'Cos, boy, does he have a story to tell.
CBCA BOOK OF THE YEAR NOTABLE 2023 BOOK OF THE YEAR: YOUNGER READERS
SHORTLISTED FOR THE YABBA AWARDS 2024
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2024 DANZ CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD
Author Information
Maryam Master is an author, playwright and screenwriter who loves creating stories for young people.
Her first novel, Exit Through the Gift Shop, was shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards, the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers, the ABIA Book of the Year for Younger Children, and the South Australian Children's Literature Award. Her second novel, No Words, was winner of the Children's Peace Literature Award and the Readings Children's Prize, and was a CBCA Notable Book for Younger Readers. Her third novel, Laughter is the Best Ending, is the winner of the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers 2025, the CBCA Shadow Judging 2025 and the State Library of NSW's Russell Prize for Humour Writing.
Maryam wrote the acclaimed stage adaptations of David Walliams' best-selling books Mr Stink, The Midnight Gang, Billionaire Boyand Ratburger - as well as Oliver Jeffers' The Incredible Book Eating Boy, all of which premiered at the Sydney Opera House and toured across Australia. She also collaborated with Australian Children's Laureate Leigh Hobbs on Horrible Harriet: Live on Stage.
She began her career in TV, writing for shows like Home and Away, Blinky Bill and the Jim Henson Company's Bambaloo. In 2011 she was selected by Sesame Workshop as the writer for Elmo's tour of Australia. Most recently, Maryam wrote two episodes of the 10-part BBC audio drama Central Intelligence, starring Kim Cattrall and Ed Harris.
