Picture a Belfast-born storyteller who spun a circus tale that captured hearts worldwide—meet Kelly McCaughrain! This award-winning Young Adult author has a knack for weaving witty, heartfelt stories that resonate with teens and adults alike. Her debut novel, Flying Tips for Flightless Birds, skyrocketed her to literary fame, earning a hat-trick of Children’s Books Ireland Awards and cementing her as a vibrant voice in children’s literature.
As the Seamus Heaney Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland from 2019 to 2021, McCaughrain didn’t just write—she inspired a generation of young writers to pick up their pens. With a campervan named Gerda and a passion for creativity, she’s a literary adventurer whose stories are as colorful as her life.
The Making of Kelly McCaughrain
Born in Belfast in 1977, Kelly McCaughrain grew up with her nose buried in Anne of Green Gables, dreaming of stories from the tender age of six. She hid her early writings, only stepping into the literary spotlight in her mid-30s after a shortlisting in The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition. A graduate of Queen’s University Belfast with two degrees in Creative Writing, she honed her craft while volunteering at Fighting Words Belfast, mentoring teen writers with a contagious enthusiasm.
Her quirky lifestyle—traveling in a 1967 VW campervan with her husband, Michael—infuses her work with a sense of adventure. McCaughrain’s Belfast roots and love for the underdog shine through in her stories, making her a relatable and inspiring figure for young readers.
Kelly McCaughrain’s Unforgettable Stories
McCaughrain’s debut, Flying Tips for Flightless Birds (2018), is a dazzling Young Adult novel about twins Finch and Birdie, trapeze artists navigating love, identity, and a family circus school. Praised for its humor and LGBTQ+ representation, it won the Northern Ireland Book Award and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal. The novel’s circus setting and authentic teen voice make it a standout, described by Roddy Doyle as “witty and clever.”
Her second novel, Little Bang (2024), tackles teen pregnancy and bodily autonomy in Northern Ireland’s complex socio-political landscape. This poignant romance between Mel and Sid earned a Carnegie Writing Medal shortlisting in 2025, showcasing McCaughrain’s ability to blend humor with hard-hitting themes. Her writing style—vibrant, empathetic, and laced with Belfast charm—captures the messy beauty of adolescence.
McCaughrain’s stories often explore identity, resilience, and the courage to be different, wrapped in a playful yet profound narrative. Whether it’s the high-wire act of first love or the weight of impossible choices, her books invite readers to embrace their unique selves.
Why Kelly McCaughrain Matters
Kelly McCaughrain’s impact extends beyond her novels. As the Seamus Heaney Children’s Writing Fellow, she championed creativity in schools across Northern Ireland, launching The Blank Page, a blog packed with resources for teachers and librarians to foster writing clubs. Her free author visits and mentorship at Fighting Words Belfast sparked countless young imaginations, proving that creativity is as vital as academic success.
Her work elevates children’s literature, showing it deserves the same respect as adult fiction. By tackling themes like diversity and social justice with warmth and wit, McCaughrain shapes empathetic, expressive readers who might just change the world. Her legacy is a generation of young writers emboldened to tell their own stories.
- Born: 1977, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Key Works: Flying Tips for Flightless Birds, Little Bang
- Awards: Children’s Books Ireland Book of the Year (2019), Northern Ireland Book Award (2019)
- Fun Fact: She travels in a 1967 VW campervan named Gerda!
Snag Flying Tips for Flightless Birds or Little Bang and dive into Kelly McCaughrain’s vibrant Young Adult world! Her stories are a high-wire act of heart and humor you won’t want to miss.