Valerie Sherrard facts for kids

Valerie Sherrard is a Canadian author who writes exciting books for kids and teenagers. She was born on May 16, 1957. Some of her well-known books include The Glory Wind, Kate, and Speechless. She also wrote the popular Shelby Belgarden mystery series.

Growing Up

Valerie Sherrard was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. Her parents were Bob and Pauline Russell. She grew up in different places across Canada. Valerie has two brothers named Danny and Andrew.

When she was in sixth grade, living in Lahr, West Germany, her teacher, Alf Lower, inspired her. He helped her discover her love for writing.

Her Amazing Books

Valerie Sherrard has written many books for young readers. Her stories often win awards and are loved by many.

Award-Winning Stories

Her novel, The Glory Wind, won several big awards in 2011. These included the Geoffrey Bilson Award and the Ann Connor Brimer Award. It was also a finalist for other important awards, like the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award.

In 2013, her novel Counting Back from Nine was nominated for a Governor General's Award. This book is written in a special style called free verse.

Picture Books for Younger Readers

Valerie has also written fun picture books. There's a Cow Under my Bed was illustrated by David Jardine. Another one, Miss Wondergem's Dreadfully Dreadful Pie, had illustrations by Wendy J. Whittingham.

Historical Adventures

In 2007, Valerie wrote a historical novel called Three Million Acres of Flame. This book tells the story of the 1825 Miramichi Fire. This fire was the biggest land fire ever recorded in North American history.

Valerie's Life Today

Valerie Sherrard lives in Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada. She lives there with her husband, Brent, who is also an author.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Valerie worked as a director for a group home. This home helped teenagers. She also has three children of her own: Anthony, Rebecca (who has passed away), and Pamela. On top of that, she was a foster parent to about seventy teenagers over the years!

Valerie's Published Works

Here are some of the books Valerie Sherrard has written.

Picture and Chapter Books

• There's a COW Under my Bed!, 2008
• There's a GOLDFISH in My Shoe!, 2009
• Miss Wondergem's Dreadfully Dreadful Pie, 2011
• Down Here, 2015
• Cooper Clark and the Dragon Lady, 2019

Novels for Middle Grade and Young Adults

• Kate, 2003
• Sam's Light, 2004
• Sarah's Legacy, 2006
• Speechless, 2007
• Three Million Acres of Flame, 2007
• Watcher, 2009
• Tumbleweed Skies, 2009
• The Glory Wind, 2010
• Accomplice, 2011
• Testify, 2011
• Counting Back from Nine, 2012
• Driftwood, 2013
• Rain Shadow, 2014
• Random Acts, 2015
• The Rise and Fall of Derek Cowell, 2020
• Birdspell, 2021
• A Bend in the Breeze, 2022
• Standing on Neptune, 2023

The Shelby Belgarden Mysteries

• Out of the Ashes, 2002
• In Too Deep, 2003
• Chasing Shadows, 2004
• Hiding in Plain Sight, 2005
• Eyes of a Stalker, 2006
• Searching for Yesterday, 2008

Non-fiction

• More than Words: Navigating the Complex World of Communication, 2023 (with Natalie Hyde)