Manjeet Mann

Manjeet Mann was born in the West Midlands, England. An accomplished actress, author, playwright, and screenwriter, she is particularly notable for her significant contribution to Young Adult (YA) literature. Her education and early career in theatre cultivated a unique storytelling approach which permeates her novels, making her work exceptional and influential in the literary world.

Her debut YA novel, »Run, Rebel« (2020), written in verse, explores the life of a teenage girl struggling with domestic abuse, societal expectations, and her desire for freedom. This novel demonstrates Mann’s ability to weave compelling narratives with powerful emotions, demonstrating her skill in verse writing. This debut was honored with awards such as the Carnegie Shadower’s Choice Award 2021 and the Sheffield Children’s Book Award 2021. »The Guardian« best book of 2020 was praised as »a tightly crafted series of punchy, often heartbreaking narrative poems. Mann’s brilliant, coruscating verse novel lays out the tentative first flowerings of hope and change.« Mann’s second novel, »The Crossing« (2021) follows two teenagers living on opposite sides of the globe and is a story about love, loss and the realities of the refugee crisis. Winning the Costa Children’s Book Award 2022, it was also shortlisted for prestigious awards including the Carnegie Medal 2022 and the Waterstones Book Prize 2022.

Beyond novels, Mann’s talents extend to picture books, with titles like »Smalls Big Dream« and »Whirly Twirly Me« (2023), and into theatre with her stage adaptation of »Run, Rebel« produced by Pilot Theatre. Her play »A Dangerous Woman« toured nationally in the UK in 2017-2018.

Mann’s work is marked by its exploration of challenging themes such as domestic abuse, societal norms, war, and freedom. Her unique combination of emotive verse and potent narrative amplifies the reader’s experience.

In addition to her literary achievements, Mann established Run The World, a non-profit organization empowering women and girls from marginalized backgrounds through sport and theatre.

Manjeet Mann currently lives in Kent, England.

Run, Rebel
Penguin
London, 2020

The Crossing
Penguin
London, 2021

Small’s Big Dream
HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
London, 2022
[Ill: Amanda Quartey]

Whirly Twirly Me
HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
London, 2023
[Ill: Amanda Quartey]