Sally Gardner author page

Sally Gardner biography

Sally Gardner is a British children’s author and illustrator. She studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Gardner initially worked as a theatre set designer and later as an illustrator before turning to writing. Her debut novel, The Strongest Girl in the World, was published in 1999 by Orion Children’s Books. She has written and illustrated numerous books for children and young adults, including I, Coriander (2005), which won the Nestlé Children’s Book Prize Gold Award and the Smarties Prize.

Gardner’s novel Maggot Moon (2012) received the 2012 Costa Children’s Book Award and the 2013 Carnegie Medal. Her other notable works include The Red Necklace (2007), The Silver Blade (2009), and the Wings & Co. detective series. Gardner’s books have been translated into more than twenty languages. She is dyslexic and has spoken publicly about her experiences with dyslexia.

In 2013, Maggot Moon also won the Children’s category of the Costa Book Awards. Gardner’s work has been recognised with several literary honours, including the Blue Peter Book Award and the CILIP Carnegie Medal shortlist. Her novel The Double Shadow (2011) was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award. Gardner continues to publish fiction for children and young adults, with her books published by Orion Children’s Books, Hot Key Books, and other major UK publishers.