Kathy Sheridan

And I always felt I could never really talk about poverty because I didn't fully understand it.

And most people don't.

But that book was truly shocking, while also being a love poem to some extraordinary, inspiring teachers and mentors there.

people who gave you clothes, food and encouragement and just sent that's what you needed.

That's one of the things about the book.

In case there's one, I don't think there's anyone left who hasn't read it, but in case there is a few people out there who think it's too bleak, it's full of light, encouraging moments like that.

When you finished that book, what did you think you had done?

Yeah, I'm very conscious, Katrina, that we're having this interview just as schools are breaking up for the year.

And when I just think teachers don't get the credit they deserve.

No.

There are some terrible teachers, as we all know, but there are some in there who are, you're Miss Arkinson.

And that wonderful male teacher you had.

Mr Pickering.

Mr Pickering.

Before we move on to your second book, you had brothers.

You have brothers.

Yes.

And coming from an Irish family, as I do, large Irish family, all of us are always fascinated by how we turned out so differently.

Why are you so different to your brothers?

You did turn out very differently.