Alison has published 18 books for children and young adults, with translations into French, Korean, Dutch and Turkish. She also writes short stories.
She won the Writers' Union Writing for Children Award, and has been a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Awards, the Alberta Literary Awards and many times for provincial children's choice awards.
She enjoys giving writing workshops and presentations at schools, libraries, conferences and festivals. She also works as a Writing Advisor/Editor for the University of Alberta, and volunteers with children and literacy.
She's a big fan of animals, reading actual newspapers, riding her bike and pawing through thrift shops. She can usually be found at her computer with a cup of tea, some chocolate and some cats and a dog nearby.
Awards and Nominations
Canada
Governor General's Literary Awards, finalist
Writers' Union of Canada Writing for Children Award
Alberta Literary Awards, finalist
Silver Birch Award, finalist
Diamond Willow Award, finalist (twice)
Snow Willow Award, finalist
Shining Willow Award, finalist
Red Cedar Award, finalist (three times)
Hackmatack Award, finalist (twice)
Chocolate Lily Award, finalist
Ontario Library Association Best Bets Award
USA
Junior Library Guild Selection
Bank Street College of Education, Best Books of the Year (twice)
Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award, YA Notable Book and Honorable Mention