Winner, The Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing, 2012
Winner, NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature, 2014
Winner, Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards, ANZ, 2014

The last person Zac expects in the room next door is a girl like Mia, angry and feisty with questionable taste in music. In the real world, he wouldn't, couldn't, be friends with her. In hospital different rules apply, and what begins as a knock on the wall leads to a note, then a friendship neither of them sees coming.

You need courage to be in hospital; different courage to be back in the real world. In one of these worlds Zac needs Mia. And in the other Mia needs Zac.

Or maybe they both need each other, always.

A. J. Betts is an author, teacher, speaker and cyclist. Zac & Mia, the winner of the Text Prize for Young Adult and Children's Writing, is her third novel for young adults. Her others are ShutterSpeed and Wavelength. She lives in Perth, and writes when she's not pedalling.

'Zac and Mia are unforgettable - they put hooks into my heart that are still there. Be warned: if you pick up this book, you won't want to put it down.' Fiona Wood

'There is a great sense of warmth and humour in this story, which will appeal to both YA and adult readers...A stand-out novel for 2013.' Australian Books and Publishing

'I think you have to be brave to write a book like this. To write it without overt, condescending sympathy. And to be brave enough to write the moments that are funny, or grotty, or filled with rage, alongside those that are brave and heroic. It's a book that is well deserving of a prize, and is likely to win many more.' First Impressions

'For communicating the day-to-day mundane madness of cancer, Betts deserves high praise...Another triumph for the Text Prize, A. J. Betts is in good company and Zac and Mia is another great read.' ALPHA Reader

'Zac and Mia by A.J. Betts is a beautifully written story from dual perspectives...A warm-hearted story and two unforgettable characters.' Hypable

'I found Zac and Mia to be a compelling story with characters that I truly cared about by the end of the novel...confronting and heartbreaking at times, but it is also comforting and moving, a beautifully written portrait of our basic human need to connect. It's a story that I'm glad I had the opportunity to read and one that I'm sure will linger with me for some time.' Kids Book Review

'The strength of Betts novel is how well she gets inside her character's head...her characters felt real - her dialogue is spot-on, the supporting characters truly shine in their own ways, and Zac and Mia's perspectives ring unique and true. Everything feels raw and real, completely grounded.' Inkcrush

'The writing was close to perfect. A. J. Betts effortlessly created a story, while daringly similar to John Green's, still equally fascinating and touching.' YA Midnight Reads

'If you are after a book filled with hope and heart I recommend Zac and Mia.' Obsession with Books

'Zac and Mia won the 2012 Text Prize for Young Adult and Children's Writing and it is easy to see why. It is [an] outstanding novel...There will be laughter, there will be tears, some of which will be for the truly amazing Zac and Mia and all their real life counterparts. Most of all there will be joy. You will not want to put this book down once you start to read it.' Hoopla

‘Un-put-down-able. The characters are believable, likeable, they grow, change, and stay with you long after you've finished reading.’ Book Chook