About the Author

Hi! My name is Katherine Owens and I’m a debut published author from Brisbane, Australia, living with my husband, our two sons, and dogs, Freddy and Betty. I’m passionate about writing books and speaking with young people about building strong support networks and finding the people and places where they truly belong.

My journey as an author began at home. I built a giant bookshelf for my sons’ shared bedroom, organised book swaps with other families, and became a regular at our local bookstore. I thought I’d cracked the parenting code. I was raising lifelong readers destined to become fascinating, worldly humans.

Then they hit middle primary school. Suddenly, the usual series weren’t enough, and nothing new seemed to stick. They weren’t interested in sci-fi, fantasy, detectives, or history. They loved sport and wanted stories about real people. I tried athlete autobiographies, but many weren’t age-appropriate or engaging for younger readers.

At lunch one day, a fellow mum and I shared the same frustration. I said, “Someone needs to write a book for older kids and teens about real people.” Then I realised… why not me?

So I did. My debut book features 17 short stories based on interviews with everyday people who have overcome challenges and achieved extraordinary things. It explores tough topics in an age-appropriate way, encourages empathy and gratitude, and reminds young readers that hope, resilience, connection and feelings of belonging can be found all around them.