Text Publishing Australia, 2013
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Zac & Mia
Blurb The last person Zac expects in the room next door is a girl like Mia, angry and feisty with questionable taste in music. In the real world he wouldn't--couldn't--be friends with her. But in hospital different rules apply, and what begins as a knock on the wall leads to a note--then a friendship neither of them sees coming. You need courage to be in hospital; different courage to be back in the real world. In one of these worlds Zac needs Mia. And in the other Mia needs Zac. Or maybe they both need each other, always. |
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Awards
- Winner, 2014 Ethel Turner Prize, NSW Premier's Literary Award - Winner, 2014 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award (Australia/NZ) - Winner, Text Prize 2012 - Shortlisted, Queensland Literary Award, 2014 - Shortlisted, WAYRBA awards, 2014 - Shortlisted, Dioraphte Prize, Netherlands, 2015 - Shortlisted, Buxtehuder Bulle Award, Germany, 2014 - Longlisted, Gold Inky Award, 2014 |
International Rights
World: Text Publishing Brazil: Novo Conceito Canada: HarperCollins Germany: S Fischer Verlag Italy: Salani The Netherlands: Blossom Poland: Wydawnictwo Jk Jacek Kaszyk Russia: Gayatri Spain: Salamandra Turkey: Ayriksi Kitap USA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt |
About ZAC & MIA
ZAC & MIA is my third novel for young adults. It was published by Text Publishing (2013) in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Information on its other international releases can be found here.
It was a challenging novel to write. Though it's a work of fiction, it was inspired by my experiences of working in a hospital in Perth for over ten years (where I continue to work part-time). ZAC & MIA is raw and real, with characters who are brave and surprising. But it's not about cancer; not really. It's about life, friendship, change and courage. And in case you're wondering, it's not influenced by The Fault in Our Stars at all. John Green and I were writing our books at the same time, on opposite sides of the world, and the stories are vastly different.
In a survey by Melbourne's Deakin University, ZAC & MIA features in the top ten favourite books or series by Australian authors. I couldn't be more thrilled. It's also a timely reminder that it's OK to spend a long time on a book if it finds a place in the hearts of readers.
Reading Australia has written a great teaching resource and a terrific article on Australian young adult literature. The novel has also made BuzzFeed's list of Romantic Lines from YA (who'd have thought?!). And for an article on Australian fiction (and ZAC & MIA's place in it), check out a recent article on the Australian Book Review website, written by Agnes Nieuwenhuizen.
ZAC & MIA is my third novel for young adults. It was published by Text Publishing (2013) in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Information on its other international releases can be found here.
It was a challenging novel to write. Though it's a work of fiction, it was inspired by my experiences of working in a hospital in Perth for over ten years (where I continue to work part-time). ZAC & MIA is raw and real, with characters who are brave and surprising. But it's not about cancer; not really. It's about life, friendship, change and courage. And in case you're wondering, it's not influenced by The Fault in Our Stars at all. John Green and I were writing our books at the same time, on opposite sides of the world, and the stories are vastly different.
In a survey by Melbourne's Deakin University, ZAC & MIA features in the top ten favourite books or series by Australian authors. I couldn't be more thrilled. It's also a timely reminder that it's OK to spend a long time on a book if it finds a place in the hearts of readers.
Reading Australia has written a great teaching resource and a terrific article on Australian young adult literature. The novel has also made BuzzFeed's list of Romantic Lines from YA (who'd have thought?!). And for an article on Australian fiction (and ZAC & MIA's place in it), check out a recent article on the Australian Book Review website, written by Agnes Nieuwenhuizen.
What people say about ZAC & MIA
'There is a great sense of warmth and humour in this story which will appeal to both YA and adult readers…. definitely a stand-out novel for 2013. Five stars.'
Australian Bookseller & Publisher
'Zac & Mia is a book that I loved--and will definitely pick up a second time!'
The Guardian
'Zac and Mia are unforgettable--they put hooks into my heart that are still there. Be warned: if you pick up this book, you won't want to put it down.'
Fiona Wood, author
'Moving, witting, heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful.'
Alice Pung, author
‘I think you have to be brave to write a book like this. To write it without overt, condescending sympathy. And to be brave enough to write the moments that are funny, or grotty, or filled with rage, alongside those that are brave and heroic. It’s a book that is well deserving of a prize, and is likely to win many more.’
Australian Books and Publishing
'…warm and uplifting.'
The Weekend Australian (Joy Lawn)
‘For communicating the day-to-day mundane madness of cancer, Betts deserves high praise…Another triumph for the Text Prize, A.J. Betts is in good company and Zac and Mia is another great read.’
First Impressions (Bec Kavanagh)
‘[Zac & Mia] is an outstanding novel about the stuff of life that really matters. There will be laughter, there will be tears, some of which will be for the truly amazing Zac and Mia and all their real life counterparts. Most of all there will be joy. You will not want to put this book down once you start to read it.’
ALPHA Reader (Danielle Binks)
‘Zac & Mia by A.J. Betts is a beautifully written story from dual perspectives…A warm-hearted story and two unforgettable characters.’
The Hoopla
‘I found Zac & Mia to be a compelling story with characters that I truly cared about by the end of the novel…confronting and heartbreaking at times, but it is also comforting and moving, a beautifully written portrait of our basic human need to connect. It’s a story that I’m glad I had the opportunity to read and one that I’m sure will linger with me for some time.’
Hypable
‘The strength of Betts novel is how well she gets inside her character’s head…her characters felt real — her dialogue is spot-on, the supporting characters truly shine in their own ways, and Zac and Mia’s perspectives ring unique and true. Everything feels raw and real, completely grounded.'
Kids Book Review
‘The writing was close to perfect. A.J. Betts effortlessly created a story, while daringly similar to John Green’s, still equally fascinating and touching.’
Inkcrush
‘If you are after a book filled with hope and heart I recommend Zac & Mia.’
YA Midnight Reads
'It's wonderfully crafted and emotionally insightful but it isn't obvious. A very, very human novel and one I wouldn't recommend solely to teenage readers, though it speaks beautifully of the teenage experience.'
Steph Bowe
'It was funny, heartbreaking and poignant....AJ Betts beautifully crafted a positive storyline that felt realistic.'
DivaBookNerd
'This is an incredible story of love, hope and growing up and offers a remarkable insight into such tough circumstances and the different ways that people cope...this novel is an instant Australian young adult classic.'
Lamont Books
'A.J. Betts has painted Zac and Mia with strong colours. I admired the courage, the honesty and the sense of hope. But I also laughed at the humour and cheered for the successes. These two characters will stay in my heart.'
Buzz Words
'I know it's a cliche now, but this YA novel genuinely is un-put-down-able. The characters are believable, likeable, they grow, change, and stay with you long after you've finished reading. The setting is revealed as the story progresses with the kind of detail that pulls your senses into the story too. Never mawkish, yet truly heartwarming, dramatic yet truly funny at times, this was one of my favourite YA reads in recent times, and certainly one to recommend to teens.'
The BookChook
'Perceptively written with great dialogue, this novel will melt your heart.'
Bob's Book Blog
'There is a great sense of warmth and humour in this story which will appeal to both YA and adult readers…. definitely a stand-out novel for 2013. Five stars.'
Australian Bookseller & Publisher
'Zac & Mia is a book that I loved--and will definitely pick up a second time!'
The Guardian
'Zac and Mia are unforgettable--they put hooks into my heart that are still there. Be warned: if you pick up this book, you won't want to put it down.'
Fiona Wood, author
'Moving, witting, heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful.'
Alice Pung, author
‘I think you have to be brave to write a book like this. To write it without overt, condescending sympathy. And to be brave enough to write the moments that are funny, or grotty, or filled with rage, alongside those that are brave and heroic. It’s a book that is well deserving of a prize, and is likely to win many more.’
Australian Books and Publishing
'…warm and uplifting.'
The Weekend Australian (Joy Lawn)
‘For communicating the day-to-day mundane madness of cancer, Betts deserves high praise…Another triumph for the Text Prize, A.J. Betts is in good company and Zac and Mia is another great read.’
First Impressions (Bec Kavanagh)
‘[Zac & Mia] is an outstanding novel about the stuff of life that really matters. There will be laughter, there will be tears, some of which will be for the truly amazing Zac and Mia and all their real life counterparts. Most of all there will be joy. You will not want to put this book down once you start to read it.’
ALPHA Reader (Danielle Binks)
‘Zac & Mia by A.J. Betts is a beautifully written story from dual perspectives…A warm-hearted story and two unforgettable characters.’
The Hoopla
‘I found Zac & Mia to be a compelling story with characters that I truly cared about by the end of the novel…confronting and heartbreaking at times, but it is also comforting and moving, a beautifully written portrait of our basic human need to connect. It’s a story that I’m glad I had the opportunity to read and one that I’m sure will linger with me for some time.’
Hypable
‘The strength of Betts novel is how well she gets inside her character’s head…her characters felt real — her dialogue is spot-on, the supporting characters truly shine in their own ways, and Zac and Mia’s perspectives ring unique and true. Everything feels raw and real, completely grounded.'
Kids Book Review
‘The writing was close to perfect. A.J. Betts effortlessly created a story, while daringly similar to John Green’s, still equally fascinating and touching.’
Inkcrush
‘If you are after a book filled with hope and heart I recommend Zac & Mia.’
YA Midnight Reads
'It's wonderfully crafted and emotionally insightful but it isn't obvious. A very, very human novel and one I wouldn't recommend solely to teenage readers, though it speaks beautifully of the teenage experience.'
Steph Bowe
'It was funny, heartbreaking and poignant....AJ Betts beautifully crafted a positive storyline that felt realistic.'
DivaBookNerd
'This is an incredible story of love, hope and growing up and offers a remarkable insight into such tough circumstances and the different ways that people cope...this novel is an instant Australian young adult classic.'
Lamont Books
'A.J. Betts has painted Zac and Mia with strong colours. I admired the courage, the honesty and the sense of hope. But I also laughed at the humour and cheered for the successes. These two characters will stay in my heart.'
Buzz Words
'I know it's a cliche now, but this YA novel genuinely is un-put-down-able. The characters are believable, likeable, they grow, change, and stay with you long after you've finished reading. The setting is revealed as the story progresses with the kind of detail that pulls your senses into the story too. Never mawkish, yet truly heartwarming, dramatic yet truly funny at times, this was one of my favourite YA reads in recent times, and certainly one to recommend to teens.'
The BookChook
'Perceptively written with great dialogue, this novel will melt your heart.'
Bob's Book Blog
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