A popular author of children’s books and young adult literature, Glenda Millard is a master storyteller. She has written some excellent books for the young readers over the years. She doesn’t plot her stories before writing. Instead, she allows the story to develop while writing and focuses more on the development of its characters.
When she was growing up, she used to read a lot as there was no television in her house. Today, she writes picture books as well as novels for young readers and adults. Now, let’s take a look at some of the fascinating books she has written during her literary career:
1. The Stars at Oktober Bend
This is a young adult novel about a teenage girl named Alice. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, she finds herself unable to speak properly. She expresses herself by writing poetry. Often ostracized by her peers, she lives with her grandmother in a small town.
One fine day, she meets a 16-year-old boy named Manny. He was once a child soldier and now battles with his own demons. Together, the two form a deep and meaningful relationship. The Stars at Oktober Bend is a powerful story about these two teenagers who find love and healing in each other.
2. The Naming of Tishkin Silk
The Naming of Tishkin Silk is the first book in Glenda Millard’s Kingdom of Silk series. It tells the tale of Griffin Silk, who is a young boy living with his family in a small town. Griffin develops a strong bond with his younger sister, Tishkin, when she is born. However, their family is shattered when Tishkin becomes seriously ill.
This book has been written beautifully by Glenda and is a heartwarming story about the power of love. Released in 2003, this book was an honor book at the 2004 CBCA Awards. It also had a nomination for the 2004 New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards.
3. The Tender Moments of Saffron Silk
This is the sixth book in the Kingdom of Silk series. It tells the story of the flame-haired Saffron, who is the youngest among the Silk sisters. Her family is aware that she has a special talent. She loves reading myths and legends. She goes to the city to see a specialist for curing her terrible headaches. It is during this time that she realizes how deeply her family loves her.
The Tender Moments of Saffron Silk is yet another touching story in Glenda Millard’s award-winning series. It was shortlisted for the 2013 New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards. The book was also shortlisted for the 2013 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards.
4. A Small Free Kiss in the Dark
A Small Free Kiss in the Dark is a young adult novel by Glenda Millard. The book follows the story of Skip, a teenage boy who is forced to fend for himself after a catastrophic event. After the bombs hit Australia, life as everyone knows it has ended. In such a situation, Skip finds a friend in Billy, a homeless man.
As they search for a safe place, they come across a mysterious ballerina and her infant child. This book narrates a story about hope, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversities.