To celebrate Women in Translation month in August we are showcasing five fabulous children’s and young adult books both written and translated by women.

My Happy Life written by Rose Lagercrantz, illustrated by Eva Eriksson,

Translated from Swedish by Julia Marshall

The first in a seven-book series, this is one of our favourite junior fiction titles about friendship and resilience.

Dani is happy because she’s going to start school and she’s been waiting to go to school her whole life. Then things get even better - she meets Ella. Dani and Ella stick together through wet and dry, sun and rain, thick and thin. But then things start to happen that Dani isn’t prepared for…

A charming story for ages 5 and up.

The Riddle of the Sea by Jonne Kramer

Translated from Dutch by Laura Watkinson

When Ravian’s father doesn’t return home from sea for his son’s birthday, Ravian is certain he must be in danger.

Hearing tales of a cursed ship that captures fishermen, Ravian goes in search of his father accompanied by a seagull friend. The pair soon find themselves trapped on the ship with only a kindly boy and a bad-tempered pirate for company. The ensuing voyage is beset by battles with giant squid and fierce storms. Ravian despairs of ever finding his father, but he never gives up his quest.

An exciting adventure for readers aged 10 and up.

The Secrets of Cricket Karlsson by Kristina Sigunsdotter & Ester Eriksson

Translated from Swedish by Julia Marshall

We love this quirky, darkly emo but hilarious short novel.

Eleven-year-old Cricket Karlsson is a warm and complex character with an artistic soul. Written as a diary, readers will fall in love with Cricket’s tough yet charming voice as she shares her secret thoughts about her best friend break-up, her Aunt’s breakdown and experimental chewing gum sculptures. Comic-style illustrations perfectly compliment this coming of age story.

A quirky story for ages 10 and up.

Maya and her Friends by Larysa Denysenko & Masha Foya

Translated from Ukrainian by Burshtyna Tereshchenko

Since 2014, Ukrainian families have had to live their daily lives with the threat of war. This book tells the story of ordinary Ukrainian children and their families. All profits from this book are donated to supporting the children of Ukraine.

Nine-year-old Maya has 16 classmates, all with different home backgrounds. Sofia’s father has disappeared in the battles against Russia. Aksana lives with her father because her mother is dead. Hristina lives with her grandmother because her parents are working abroad.Timko’s parents are divorced. Petro is a Roma and has a huge family clan. Maya herself has two mothers.

A story about different families for ages five and up.

The Color of the Sky is the Shape of the Heart by Chesil

Translated from Japanese by Takami Nieda

Now in translation for the first time, the award-winning debut that broke literary ground in Japan explores diaspora, prejudice, and the complexities of a teen girl’s experience growing up as a Zainichi Korean.

Ginny Park is about to get expelled from high school - again. Stephanie, who took Ginny into her Oregon home after she was kicked out of school, wants to know why but Ginny can’t bring herself to open up about her past, or about what prompted her to flee her native Japan. Then, Ginny finds a mysterious scrawl among Stephanie’s papers that changes everything - The sky is about to fall. Where do you go?

A beautiful, poetic story for readers aged 13 to adult.