Barry Jonsberg lives in Darwin in the Northern Territory. Cassie is his fifth book for young adults.
Before he became a full-time writer, Barry was a high school English teacher. One of his students was Cece Adams, now 20 years old. Cece, an Indigenous Australian, is currently studying Art at Charles Darwin University. She is a songwriter – a CD performed by a local artist, Moondog, has been released.
But Cece’s greatest achievement has been in her role as educator.
Cece has cerebral palsy and is quadriplegic. Those who have come into contact with her have learned that being wheelchair-bound and unable to communicate in conventional ways is no bar to personal development. Most importantly, she has taught children and adults alike that true worth is found within, and that it is unwise to judge anyone on superficial appearance alone.
Barry and Cece hope that, in some small way, Cassie may help in spreading this message.