Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1957, Valerie (Russell) Sherrard lived in various parts of the country before settling in New Brunswick, where she has made her home since 1980.Writing for children and teens comes naturally to the mother of three, who was also the Executive Director of a group home for adolescents for ten years, and former foster parent to approximately 70 young people. Valerie's desire to become an author was born when she was in grade six and living with her family in Lahr, West Germany, where her father was stationed. Her homeroom teacher that year, Alf Lower, praised and encouraged her efforts and instilled in her a lifelong belief in her ability to write. (The… author's sixth book is dedicated to Lower, with whom she was able to reconnect in 2001). <br <br Sherrard's books have received much critical acclaim and have been short listed for numerous awards, including The Red Maple, White Pine, Snow Willow, Manitoba Young Reader's Choice, BC Stellar and Arthur Ellis Awards. They have also been recommended by the I.O.D.E Violet Downey and selected as Best Bets by the OLA and Our Choice by the Canadian Children's Book Centre. 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. In 2006, recognizing an industry need, she established Authors' Booking Service along with author Marsha Skrypuch. <p </p