UNITED STATES AUTHOR · FICTION · CHILDREN
Gloria Whelan
American poet, novelist, and short-story writer for children. (Polish) Amerykańska autorka bestsellerów dla dzieci i młodzieży. W 2000 roku zdobyła National Book Award, najbardziej prestiżową amerykańską nagrodę literacką, właśnie za "Bezdomnego ptaka". Whelan pisze powieści historyczne, z których wiele rozgrywa się w egzotycznej scenerii (komunistyczna Rosja, Wietnam). Mieszka z mężem w lasach nad jeziorem Michigan. I began making up stories before I could write...
It was September before they knew what to do with me.
— from The Indian School (Trophy Chapter Book), 1997
Most acclaimed
The Indian School (Trophy Chapter Book)
1997
When shy, ten-year-old Lucy comes to live with her aunt and uncle at their mission school, she's surprised at the number of harsh rules and restrictions imposed on the children. Why, she wonders, should the Indians have to do all the changing? And why is her aunt so strict with them? Then a girl called Raven runs away in protest, and Lucy knows she must overcome her timidity and stand up to her aunt—no matter what the consequences. Once again Gloria Whelan has taken a chapter from our past and transformed it into gripping, accessible, historically accurate fiction.
The locked garden
2009
It's the year 1900, the dawn of a new century and a chance for a new beginning for Verna and Carlie, whose mother died two years ago. They are headed to their new home—the grounds of an asylum for the mentally ill. Their father, a doctor, has been hired to treat its patients while the girls are under the strict and watchful eye of their aunt Maude. The towering asylum, the murmuring patients with their tormented pasts, the exquisite locked garden at the center of the grounds—Verna perceives forbidden mystery and enchantment everywhere. Even Aunt Maude's temper will not keep her from striking out on her own exciting adventures.But is Verna ready to confront all the secrets and emotions that have been locked within—even those of her own heart?
The Turning
The message was unexpected but instantly recognizable. A voice resonated from a distance and somehow from within. Against all earthly logic, it carried a divine command. And five very different people knew they were summoned to obey. Their actions were demanding, but not particularly grand. Only later would they see a pattern emerge - one that links their tasks together and comes to challenge the cultural direction of the nation. They realize that one small personal response unveiled a new realm of moral responsibility. And this affirmation of everyday hope captures the attention of millions. But power and money are at stake. Malicious elements soon align themselves to counter the trend. To succeed they must also undermine its source. Can we really believe that God speaks to people today? Surely this must be dismissed as superstition or delusion. These well-intentioned but misguided individuals should not be allowed to cast our society back into the Dark Ages. The public debate and media frenzy place an unprecedented spotlight on knowing and doing God's will. The five encounter threats, but try to remain steadfast in their faith. Had God indeed imparted wisdom on selected individuals? Is this sweep of events part of his divine purpose? The movement may herald a profound renewal -- one that some are calling The Turning.