Louise Rennison, author of the beloved Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series, has died.
Rennison’s publisher, HarperCollins, confirmed her death on Monday, February 29.
It is with huge sadness that we can confirm the death of our much loved author and friend, Louise Rennison.
— HarperCollinsUK (@HarperCollinsUK) February 29, 2016
They released a further statement on The Bookseller, saying, “Nobody wrote for teenagers like she did, she understood them, their lives and their extraordinary and powerful friendships. In life, as in her writing, she brought joy and laughter. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the readers whose lives she has touched for almost 20 years.”
The executive publisher for HarperCollins’ children’s division, Ann-Janine Murtagh, added, “Publishing Louise was a joy. She was beautiful to know and saw the funny in everything. Bold, brave, irreverent and wise, she leaves us with a million happy memories and a legacy of laughter with her wonderful books.”
Rennison’s first and second novels in the Georgia Nicolson series, Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging and It’s OK, I’m Wearing Really Big Knickers, were both adapted for film, introducing a whole new generation of audiences to her work.
Several episodes in the Georgia Nicolson series were allegedly based on Rennison’s life in Leeds, where she was raised in a three bedroom council house with her mom, dad, grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin. Georgia Nicholson grew up alongside countless teenage girls the world over, offering them a humorous outlet via her various exploits with the Ace Gang.
Tributes have begun pouring in, commemorating her particular brand of wit and inspiration for aspiring authors.
So sad about this loss. Louise Rennison was one of the authors who really inspired me when I was starting out. https://t.co/JYdCz9Nxih
— Ally Carter (@OfficiallyAlly) February 29, 2016
So, so sad to hear about Louise Rennison. Such a wonderful, talented and funny writer. Love to her family. ? pic.twitter.com/OlReUhgfCi
— Holly Smale (@HolSmale) February 29, 2016
I'm shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Louise Rennison, far too young.
— Philip Pullman (@PhilipPullman) February 29, 2016
Very sad to hear that the great YA writer Louise Rennison has died. https://t.co/EY3kTOI1e9
— John Green (@johngreen) February 29, 2016
Shocked at the death of Louise Rennison. Kids just laugh and laugh and laugh at her books, which is the best sort of miracle. RIP.
— Patrick Ness (@Patrick_Ness) February 29, 2016
Rennison was the recipient of the Queen of Teen award in 2008, and the Roald Dahl Funny Prize in 2010 for her spinoff novel, Withering Tights, part of a series about Georiga Nicholson’s cousin, Tallulah Casey.