Shelagh Lynne Supeene Biography (1952-)

Shelagh Lynne Supeene began writing for youngsters when her own children were small. Prior to that time she had studied world religions, specializing in ancient Chinese philosophy and language. She has also researched mental illness and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, better known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Supeene's first published novel for young adults is My Name Is Mitch, a story about a nonconformist sixth-grader and his troubles at school and at home. Mitch is small for his age. He wears glasses and has trouble with bullies. How he handles these issues while trying to reconcile himself to his parents' breakup forms the crux of the novel. In Resource Links, Lisa Mowat suggested that My Name Is Mitch offers "topics teachers and students can really sink their teeth into." Sherie Posesorski in Quill & Quire praised the work for its "clear, engaging prose."

Because Supeene's first name is somewhat unusual, she sometimes goes as "Lynne Supeene." She lives in Canada with her family.