Valerie Sherrard
Categories: Female Authors - Anglophone Authors - Authors of Juvenile Fiction; - Novelists - Authors of Young Adult Literature - Miramichi River
Biography
Valerie Sherrard first decided to become an author when she was in grade six! Her homeroom teacher that year, Mr. Alf Lower, praised and encouraged her efforts and instilled in her a lifelong belief in her ability to write.
Although nearly three decades went by before she began to pursue writing seriously, Valerie never forgot her teacher’s words. She began writing for teens and saw her first young adult book published in 2002, with a dozen others following over the next eight years. During that time, Sherrard also expanded her work to include junior novels and picture books as well.
Since becoming a published author, Sherrard has enjoyed visiting many classrooms and libraries to speak to young people about writing, literacy, and most of all, finding and following your dreams. Many of her books have been shortlisted for awards and her engaging presentations appeal to students of all ages.
Born Valerie Russell in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1957, Valerie has made her home in New Brunswick since 1980. She lives in Miramichi with her husband Brent (who is also an author) and their four cats: Lilly, Thragg, Tootie and Cody.
How has New Brunswick influenced your work?
My work is influenced by the people and communities of New Brunswick, their charm and eastern hospitality – at times in combination with less attractive (but entertaining) traits.
What is your favourite New Brunswick book, and why?
My favourite book by a New Brunswicker is Mercy Among the Children by David Adams Richards. This is the only book in which I’ve ever encountered what I believe to be a true hero.
What do you consider to be the highlight of your career so far?
That would be when I took the step to become a full-time writer. It’s a daily blessing to get up and go about the business of doing something I so truly love.
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Literary Prizes |
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| Nomination - Ann Connor Brimer Award for Children’s Literature - 2010 | In recognition of: Tumbleweed Skies |
| Nomination - Blue Spruce Award - 2010 | In recognition of: There’s A COW Under My Bed! |
| Selected, Best Books of 2009, Resource Links - 2009 | In recognition of: Watcher |
| Selected, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre - 2009 | In recognition of: Searching for Yesterday |
| Selected, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre - 2009 | In recognition of: Three Million Acres of Flame |
| Selected, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre - 2009 | In recognition of: There’s A COW Under My Bed! |
| Nomination - Shining Willow Award - 2009 | In recognition of: There’s A COW Under My Bed! |
| Nomination - Snow Willow Award - 2008 | In recognition of: Speechless |
| Selected, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre - 2008 | In recognition of: Speechless |
| Nomination - Red Maple Award - 2008 | In recognition of: Sarah’s Legacy |
| Nomination - Ann Connor Brimer Award - 2008 | In recognition of: Speechless |
| Selected, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, “Our Choice” - 2007 | In recognition of: Sarah’s Legacy |
| Selected, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, “Our Choice” - 2007 | In recognition of: Sarah’s Legacy |
| Selected, Ontario Library Association (OLA) Best Bets : Reading for Children, Fiction - 2007 | In recognition of: Speechless |
| Shortlisted, Stellar Book Award - 2007 | In recognition of: Chasing Shadows |
| Shortlisted, Manitoba Young Readers’ Choice Award - 2006 | In recognition of: Sam’s Light |
| Shortlisted, Snow Willow Award - 2005 | In recognition of: Sam’s Light |
| Selected, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, “Our Choice” - 2005 | In recognition of: Chasing Shadows |
| White Pine Honour Book Award - 2005 | In recognition of: Kate |
| Selected, Best Books of 2004, Resource Links - 2004 | In recognition of: Sam’s Light |
| Selected, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, “Our Choice” - 2004 | In recognition of: Kate |
| Selected, Canadian Children’s Book Centre, “Our Choice” - 2003 | In recognition of: Out of the Ashes |
| Nomination - Recommended, National Chapter of Canada IODE Violet Downey Book Award - 2003 | In recognition of: Kate |
| Nomination - Red Maple Award - 2003 | In recognition of: Out of the Ashes |
| Nomination - Arthur Ellis Awards, Best Juvenile - 2003 | In recognition of: Out of the Ashes |
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Featured Publication |
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Tumbleweed Skies (2010) |
Excerpt: I was hoping Daddy would stay at Grandma’s place too, at least for the first night, but he didn’t. He said he was too restless to sleep, and he meant to drive right through the night, clear across Saskatchewan. “What if you get lost?” I asked. “I’ll have my map with me the whole time,” Daddy told me. “Now you be a good girl and listen to your grandma while I’m gone. Do what she tells you and I’ll be back for you as soon as I can.” I said goodbye and I didn’t even cry… but he was still right there in front of me then. Just saying words like goodbye isn’t the same as seeing a car drive away, its back to you, getting farther and farther until you can’t even see the puff of dust behind it. |
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Find this author in the New Brunswick public libraries catalogue.
Source(s): Author
