Shelley Hrdlitschka
A teacher for a number of years, and now a parent, Shelley Hrdlitschka is a reader, writer and vocal proponent of juvenile and teen fiction. Shelley lives in North Vancouver with her family and presents extenssively to children at area schools. Her first book, Beans on Toast, a juvenile novel set at summer camp was closely followed by Disconnected, a suspense/adventure novel set in Vancouver. Disconnected was a nominee for the Surrey Book of the Year and was very well-received by teachers, librarians, booksellers and of course, young readers. The sequel, Tangled Web, will be published in Spring 2000.
With 3 daughters, Shelley and her husband try to create "gender-balance" in their home by sharing it with male animals - a dog, 2 cats and a guinea pig of indeterminate sex. Shelley is a member of various writing organizations including CANSCAIP, CWILL and the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable. She is an avid reader with an abiding interest in juvenile and teen fiction.
For more information visit Shelley Hrdlitschka at her own web site.
Reviews
Beans on ToastShelley Hrdlitschka
Madison is having a difficult time adjusting to Band Camp. After her parents divorce and her move away from the girls with whom she grew up, Madison feels lonely and sad. All this changes when faced with a dangerous situation, Madison finds the courage to take control and helps her new friends. Preteens will enjoy and relate to this engrossing tale of displacement, growing up and forging one's independence. 1998, Orca Book Publishers, Ages 10 up, $6.95. Reviewer: Deborah Palgon
ISBN: 1-55143-116-5
Disconnected
Shelley Hrdlitschka
In this coming-of-age tale, twins learn of the mysterious ties that bind them from birth. A boy named Tanner is worried and scared about a recurring dream of the sea. Because of this, he has horrible headaches. His anger is starting to overtake him. Tanner lives inland, and when he takes a hockey trip up to the coast, he thinks that maybe then he will be able to interpret the dream and find peace. Another boy, Alex, is stuck living on the coast with his father whom he doesn't like very much. He wants to leave and get away, but a lot of problems lie ahead. Tanner and Alex come to realize that a person is never really alone, even though sometimes the person may not be aware of it or see it that way. 1999, Orca Book Publishing, Ages 12 to 17, $6.95. Reviewer: Bonnie Bruneau
ISBN: 1-55143-105-X
Added 1999
To stay up to date on new books by this author, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.


