Awards & Special Recognition

Nominated for 2008 Hans Christian Andersen Award by the South African branch of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY SA)

Honorary Doctorates

The Open University (D Univ), 2003
University of Southampton (D Litt), 2002

Burn My Heart

Booklist Youth Editors’ Choice, USA 2009
New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, USA 2009
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books, USA 2009

The Playground

Time Out Critics’ Choice 2004: Best Plays for Children and Young People.

Web of Lies

The New York Public Library - Books for the Teen Age 2007

The Other Side of Truth

Sankei Children's Book Award, Japan 2003
International Board on Books for Young People Honour Book, 2002
Jane Addams Book Award (older children category), USA 2002
American Library Association Booklist Top of the List, USA 2001
A Best Book for Young Adults American Library Association, USA 2001
Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, USA 2001
Smarties Book Prize Silver Medal, UK 2000
Carnegie Medal, UK 2000
Arts Council Writer's Award for work-in-progress, UK 1999

Out of Bounds

A Best Book for Young Adults, American Library Association, USA 2004
Riverbank Review Children's Book of Distinction, USA 2004
Jane Addams Peace Association Book Award for Older Children, USA 2004
African Studies Association Children’s Africana Book Award (Older Readers), USA 2004
Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award, USA 2003

No Turning Back

African Studies Association Children's Book Award for Older Readers, USA 1998
International Reading Association Teachers' Choices, USA 1998
Josette Frank Award (Child Study Children's Book Committee Award), USA 1998
Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, USA 1998
Book Trust 100 Best Books, UK 1997
The Guardian Children's Fiction Award, UK shortlist 1996
Smarties Prize for Children's Books, UK shortlist 1995

Chain of Fire

'Vlag en Wimpel' Award, Holland 1991
Best Books for Young Adults list American Library Association, USA 1991
Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, USA 1990
Smarties Prize for Children's Books, UK shortlist 1989

Journey to Jo'burg

Parents' Choice Honor Book for Paperback Literature, USA 1988
Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, USA 1986
Child Study Children's Book Committee Award, USA 1986
The Other Award, UK 1985