We have a host of English teachers in the family. My mum is an English teacher, and so are my dad, my aunt and my uncle. I have grown up with family writing competitions, and I can't remember a birthday or Christmas present that didn't include books.

The quote — “We have a host of English teachers in the family. My mum is an English teacher, and so are my dad, my aunt and my uncle. I have grown up with family writing competitions, and I can't remember a birthday or Christmas present that didn't include books” — comes from Alexandra Adornetto, an Australian author known for her young adult novels such as the Halo trilogy. In this heartfelt reflection, Adornetto describes the deeply literary environment in which she was raised, revealing the profound influence of family and education on her development as a writer.

The quote emphasizes how surrounded she was by English teachers, making reading, writing, and literature not just a part of her schooling, but an essential element of her family culture. With parents and relatives dedicated to the study and teaching of language, Adornetto’s upbringing was intellectually rich and creatively stimulating. The mention of “family writing competitions” adds a playful yet competitive edge, showing that literary engagement was both encouraged and celebrated within the household.

Her remark that books were a constant feature of birthday and Christmas gifts underscores how reading was cherished and prioritized over other forms of entertainment. This reveals a childhood deeply shaped by the written word, where storytelling was not only taught, but lived — helping to explain her early interest in publishing and success as a young author.

This quote originates from interviews and biographical notes where Adornetto reflects on her early inspirations and how she came to write her first novel at just 14 years old. It serves as a powerful reminder of how a nurturing, intellectually curious environment can ignite a lifelong passion for literature, and how family influence can be the foundation of creative ambition.