About Marie Basting
When Marie Basting was fifteen, she was told by a careers advisor that girls like her don’t become writers. For a long time, she believed this – but Marie finally came to realise that girls like her can do anything they want. Marie’s debut novel, the critically acclaimed Princess BMX, was published in 2019. The award winning My Family and Other Romans followed in 2023 with the second book in this series, Auntie Medusa and Me, following in August 2024.
Marie lives in Manchester with her husband, son and a giant, hairy woo-dog called Polly. When she’s not writing or annoying her family, you’ll find her supporting other boys and girls to follow their writing dreams.
Marie has an MA in Creative Writing and is an experienced learning and development practitioner with skills and qualifications in coaching, action learning and leadership and team development. She is a former Assistant Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and for several years taught Creative Writing and Children’s Literature at Manchester Met University. Marie’s books are illustrated by the wonderful Flavia Sorrentino. Find out more about Flavia here.
Marie is available for interview and to write features. For more info please contact publicist Jazz Bartlett Love: jasmine@chickenhousebooks.com
Connect with Marie on Twitter @riewriting and Instagram @marie_basting_author.
Auntie Medusa and Me
Marie’s latest book, Auntie Medusa and Me, is an action-packed, laugh-out-loud Greek mythology adventure perfect for fans of Loki, Horrible Histories and Who Let the Gods Out. Download the press release to learn more or visit the Reading Zone to read about the inspiration behind the book.
Auntie Medusa and Me recently had its very own museum trail at the prestigious Roman Baths, Bath. You can read more about the trail and the partnership with the Roman Baths in the Bath Echo.
Sad you missed it? Don’t worry there’s now a Medusa Mystery trail at the Corinium Museum which you can visit until 31st January 2025. This is the second trail at the Corinium museum inspired by Marie’s books, their My Family and Other Romans trail having proven extremely popular.
Auntie Medusa and Me has been shortlisted for a Reading Rocks book award – watch this space for the results.
REVIEWS and ACCOLADES – MY FAMILY AND OTHER ROMANS
My Family and Other Romans voted best book 2023 for curriculum support by Books for Topics! Find out more about my events and school visits here.
Loki says READ IT! He sometimes wishes the Roman gods would adopt him instead of the mean Norse ones… this book is so funny and utterly bizarre. @riewriting ‘s brain is pure chaotic brilliance!
Perfect funny escapism with added Roman mythology…Charming and mischievous!
Louie Stowell, Author of Loki Series
With this brilliant mash-up of LARPing (Live Action Role Play) and ancient history, Marie Basting will have children giggling and learning Latin while they do it! […] If you are looking for a quirky, fun (and just a little bit silly!) addition to classroom shelves for a topic on Ancient Rome then look no further!
Books For Topics
LARP meets real life in this fast-paced and fun historical time travel romp that children in KS2 will love. It’ll turn your Romans topic on its head!
The School Reading List
If you’re looking for a read-aloud with plenty of humour, strong female character, and with lots of detail about life in Ancient Rome this is it. Perfect for 8 to 10 year olds.
Melissa Jordan, Reading Pebbles
Marie Basting has created such a funny yet heart-warming story about friendship and family, all rolled in to one neat epic Roman adventure. With brilliant illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino, this is a fantastic nod to the gods and goddesses who capture our imagination on every page.
My Book Corner
PRINCESS BMX
More irrepressible fun runs through Princess BMX […] Evil aunties and fairy godfathers called Nigel combine with a streak of feisty rebellion to create a daft and delicious fantasy.
The Guardian
Princess BMX is a bewitching, laugh-out-loud adventure, full of weird and wonderful creatures […] and with a bold, brave, rule-breaking heroine who proves girls step in where others fear to tread. So get in gear for the best royal story in London town!
Lancashire Post
Ava’s hilarious adventure races along at breakneck speed while punctured with characterful illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino. Children will love Ava’s cheeky humour and her courage to be true to herself. A modern fairy-tale which is full of magic, friendship and bikes! Enchanted meets BMX.
South Wales Evening Post
This book is a fabulous mix of magic and the everyday. A testament to friendship and believing in yourself. A proper modern fairy-tale with a princess that is waaaaaaay more than a pink dress wearing puppet. Ava is brave, fearless and fabulous and the story ends with the tantalising prospect of more to come.
StorgyKids
Joyful word building meets compelling storytelling in this fun and entertaining debut, a must for those who love to break the rules and challenge the status quo.
Book Lover Jo
A hugely entertaining story about the “most radical princess since Leia”: it’s impossible not to love – and laugh out loud at – Princess BMX.
Madge Eekel Reviews
Featuring quirky characters, a hilarious plot and funny black-and-white illustrations, this fast-paced contemporary fairy tale is ideal for confident young readers.
BookTrust
Princess BMX was listed in the GEC Best Books 2019 – a round-up of the absolute best books out there for smashing Stereotypes.
Marie is available for events and author visits. Visit her events page for further details.
Marie Basting - Children's Author, Manchester 