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Award-winning author Marcus Sedgwick dies ‘unexpectedly’ aged 54
Award-winning writer and illustrator of both adult and children’s fiction, non-fiction and academic essays Marcus Sedgwick has died aged 54.
In a statement shared with The Bookseller, his agency RCW said: “It is with deep regret that RCW announces the unexpected death of author Marcus Sedgwick. His family and close friends request privacy at this very sad and difficult time.”
Sedgwick’s debut novel Floodland, published by Delacorte Press in 2000, won the Branford Boase award and his book My Swordhand is Singing won the Booktrust Teenage Prize. Overall his books were shortlisted for more than 30 awards, including the Carnegie Medal (five times), the Edgar Allan Poe Award (twice) and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize (four times). He is also the most noted author in the history of the Printz Award, with one win and two honour books.
Earlier this year Summersdale signed two non-fiction titles by Sedgwick as part of a new series called Be the Change, illustrated by Thomas Taylor, tackling mental health topics for nine to 12-year-olds.
Commissioning editor Anna Martin acquired world rights from Claire Wilson at RCW and Kirsty McLachlan at Morgan Green Creatives for Be the Change: Be Calm - Rise up and Don’t Let Anxiety Hold You Back and Be the Change: Be Kind - Rise Up and Make a Difference to the World, joint published on 11th August 2022.
At the time Sedgwick, who was born and raised in a small village in Kent and lived most recently in the south of France, said: "[These books] are brilliant interactive and accessible resources for kids to learn about the importance of empathy and mental health—so they can be the change they want to see."
Wilson wrote today on Twitter of Sedgwick: "Marcus was at the start of everything for me - his work reminded me of what children’s books can do and why they matter. I will always be grateful for the honour of getting to represent him, and finding such a kind, wise and funny person behind the writing. It is an immense loss."
