Catherine Bruton

  • 4 stars across 18 books
Catherine Bruton was born in the North West, where she attended the local comprehensive before graduating with a first class degree in English Literature from Oxford.


In her twenties, she worked in Namibia and South Africa, teaching in bush schools and working with street children in the townships. Catherine then went on to teach at some of the top schools in London and the UK, as well as writing feature articles for `The Times' and various other national magazines and newspapers.


Catherine's first novel for young people `We Can be Heroes' was published in 2011. Described by The Sunday Times as, "Witty, wise and compelling,"  and named as one of their top books of 2011, it was short and long-listed for numerous awards, including the Carnegie, and is currently being adapted for the big screen.


Her follow up `Pop!' lead The Guardian to describe  her as, "One of the finest teen writers of recent years,"  whilst her forthcoming book `I Predict a Riot' which was inspired by the UK riots, 'vividly illustrates the tensions and violence of city life from the perspective of three very different young people trying to make sense of the world they live in,' (The Bookseller)


Nowadays Catherine combines teaching  English at a local secondary school with writing novels and raising a family. She lives with her husband and their two children in the countryside just outside Bath.
25th April 2019

No Ballet Shoes in Syria

With beautiful, captivating writing, wonderfully authentic ballet details, and an important message championing the righ... MoreNo Ballet Shoes in Syria

(55 reviews) Review
5th November 2020

Another Twist in the Tale

You have heard, no doubt, the tale of Master Oliver Twist - that rags-to-riches boy; the parish orphan who became heir t... MoreAnother Twist in the Tale

(28 reviews) Review
9th May 2024

Bird Boy

From the multi-award-winning author of No Ballet Shoes in Syria, comes a story of migration, conservation, healing and h... MoreBird Boy

(17 reviews) Review
7th October 2021

Following Frankenstein

A brilliantly-conceived and hugely imaginative 'sequel' to Mary Shelley's masterpiece, Following Frankenstein is a hugel... MoreFollowing Frankenstein

(14 reviews) Review
1st September 2017

Refugee Kid

"Tell us again exactly how old you are.""I already said. I am fifteen.""And how did you get to the UK?""Your police foun... MoreRefugee Kid

(1 review) Review
7th May 2026

Tadpole Summer

From the multi-award-winning author of No Ballet Shoes in Syria, comes a story of sibling love and loss, healing and hop... MoreTadpole Summer

(1 review) Review
28th March 2003

She

(1 review) Review
4th June 2012

Pop!

Billy Elliot meets the X-Factor meets Shameless. An emotional rollercoaster of a novel for readers aged 11 to 111. I rec... MorePop!

(0 reviews) Review
5th June 2014

I Predict a Riot

Explosive, emotional drama from the author of We Can Be Heroes, perfect for fans of Meg Rosoff and Annabel Pitcher. We... MoreI Predict a Riot

(0 reviews) Review
1st August 2011

We Can be Heroes

Moving. Funny. Explosive. And most of all, unexpected . . . As powerful as Frank Cottrell Boyce’s Millions. My dad was ... MoreWe Can be Heroes

(0 reviews) Review
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  • Tadpole Summer

    Tadpole Summer

    by ESCP

    I am very biased as I love Catherine's books.  Please if you like this read Bird Boy! As a TA, I am astounded that a teacher can have time to write th...

  • Another Twist in the Tale

    Another Twist in the Tale

    by Ameki

    I loved this book and just couldn’t put it down. I thought that it was a great twist on a well known story.Twill's character was such a different type...

  • No Ballet Shoes in Syria

    No Ballet Shoes in Syria

    by Jamee

    Aya is torn from her home in Aleppo, Syria due to the war. She travels with her family to Turkey. During the crossing to Greece, she loses her ...