Kelly Gardiner

Kelly Gardiner’s latest novel for young readers is ‘Brimstone’, the first in a new middle-grade series, ‘The Firewatcher Chronicles’. Her previous novel is ‘1917: Australia’s Great War’, set in Flanders and on the home front. Her historical novels for young adults include ‘Act of Faith’ and ‘The Sultan’s Eyes’, both of which were shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and listed as Notable Books by the Children’s Book Council of Australia. ‘The Sultan’s Eyes’ was listed in the prestigious White Ravens in 2014.

Her other books for younger readers include the ‘Swashbuckler’ historical adventures, set in the world of the Mediterranean pirates, and a picture book called ‘Billabong Bill’s Bushfire Christmas’. Her latest novel for adults is ‘Goddess’, based on the life of the seventeenth century French swordswoman, cross-dresser and opera singer, Mademoiselle de Maupin (also known as Julie d’Aubigny).

She is a journalist and editor by trade, and has published poetry, reviews, features, and travel writing. Kelly teaches writing at La Trobe University.