Jackie French
Jackie French
Biography of a Renowned Australian Author and Activist
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jackie French's full name is Jacqueline Mary French. She is commonly known as Jackie French.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 23, 1944, in Sydney, Australia, Jackie French passed away on November 2, 2021.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Australian author and activist. Jackie French was a celebrated children's book writer, historian, and advocate for social justice.
Early Life and Background
Jackie grew up on a farm near Goulburn in New South Wales, Australia. Her rural upbringing greatly influenced her writing, particularly in the areas of children's literature and historical fiction. She developed a strong connection to the land and its people, which would later become a hallmark of her work.
Major Accomplishments
Jackie French achieved remarkable success throughout her career, with numerous awards and accolades. Some notable achievements include:
Winning the Australian Children's Laureate in 2014-2015
Being appointed as an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for services to children's literature
Receiving the 2007 Queensland Premier's Literary Award for her contribution to literatureNotable Works or Actions
Jackie French wrote over 100 books, including novels, non-fiction, and poetry. Her works span multiple genres, making her a versatile and accomplished author. Some of her most notable publications include:
The Toad War series, which tells the story of a fictional battle between a toad and a farmer in rural Australia
The Diary of a Wombat series, which follows the daily life of a wombat living on a farm
Historical fiction novels like _The Lady and the Soldier_ and _The Garden of Dreams_
In addition to her writing, Jackie was an advocate for social justice. She spoke out against issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.
Impact and Legacy
Jackie French's impact on Australian literature and society is profound. Her dedication to promoting literacy, education, and advocacy has made a lasting impression. As the 2014-2015 Australian Children's Laureate, she worked tirelessly to promote children's literacy and encourage children to develop a love for reading.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Jackie French is widely quoted and remembered due to her dedication to social justice and her contributions to children's literature. Her ability to weave historical events and social issues into engaging stories has made her a beloved author among readers of all ages. Her commitment to advocating for marginalized groups and promoting literacy has left a lasting impact on Australian society.
Throughout her life, Jackie French demonstrated an unwavering dedication to her craft and her community. Her legacy as a writer and advocate continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers alike.
Quotes by Jackie French
I think my body knew before my mind did. Or maybe I just refused to listen to what I knew.
A kingdom needs tending, just like a cheese. Leave a cheese too long and the whey settles to the bottom and sours the whole. Leave a kingdom for too long and others rise to the top and take the whole.
Lady Dance’s music wasn’t a magic charm. I’d misunderstood. We had all failed to understand. The song and dance didn’t stop us dying. It just stopped the fear of death swallowing us up while we were still alive. ‘Rejoice,’ came the soft voice of Lady Dance in my mind. ‘Watch the moon and stars... ’ Death had ruled my life till I met Lady Dance. Her dance had set me free.
I knew this was a jewel of a day that would glow bright for my whole life, brighter than any ruby in Macbeth’s crown.
I do read very, very quickly. I do process data very quickly. And so I write very quickly. And it is embarrassing because there is a conception that the things that you do quickly are not done well. I think that’s probably one of the reasons I don’t like the idea of prolific.
Books aren’t like broccoli. You don’t have to eat it because it’s good for you. Books drag you in because they are fascinating.
One of my extraordinary regrets about my death is not so much that it’s going to happen but simply that I’ll never know what happens next.
I think I have probably adjusted the way I see the world, I interpret the world and I communicate the world into book format simply because of this familiarity. Possibly in another society and another context I might have been a storyteller or who knows what.
Very much in my books people find not surrogate families because they are real families. We’ve got families that we’re related to by blood but we’ve also got families that we acquire. And those too I think are pretty much part of my books.