Gloria Whelan è un'acclamata autrice di numerosi romanzi per giovani lettori. Le sue opere esplorano spesso temi legati all'identità, alla famiglia e alla ricerca del proprio posto nel mondo. Con un occhio attento ai dettagli e uno stile narrativo coinvolgente, approfondisce le vite di personaggi che affrontano le complessità della crescita e scoprono la loro forza interiore. Le sue storie sono apprezzate per la loro profondità e risonanza emotiva.
After her father dies in the river they both love, twelve-year-old Lily struggles to come to terms with her loss, and in so doing, she helps a paraplegic former pilot accept his condition and move on with his life
When thirteen-year-old Koly enters into an ill-fated arranged marriage, she must either suffer a destiny dictated by India's tradition or find the courage to oppose it.
Set in the fall of 1914, the story follows Katya Ivanova, who perceives St. Petersburg as a magical realm while sheltered within palace walls. As the world outside begins to change dramatically, her sheltered life contrasts with the brewing turmoil of the era, hinting at the complexities of love, loyalty, and the impending upheaval that will alter her reality forever. The narrative explores themes of innocence and the clash between fantasy and the harsh truths of the outside world.
Set against the backdrop of the War of 1812, the story follows young Mary O'Shea as she navigates the challenges of life on Mackinac Island after her father leaves to join the American Army. Alongside her siblings, Mary faces the difficulties of British occupation and the responsibilities of managing the family farm, all while yearning for her father's safe return. The narrative explores themes of resilience, family bonds, and the impact of war on everyday life.
Caught in the midst of Gandhi's nonviolent revolution, Rosalind navigates the complexities of her dual identity. The novel intricately blends historical events with rich cultural elements, exploring themes of conflict and personal growth. As she faces the challenges of her environment, Rosalind's journey highlights the impact of social change on individual lives, making this story both compelling and educational.
Set in 1918 India, this richly woven narrative follows a young British girl's journey of self-discovery amidst the backdrop of a changing society. The story explores themes of identity, culture, and the complexities of colonialism, capturing the vibrant landscapes and intricate social dynamics of the time. Through her experiences, the protagonist navigates the challenges of adolescence while grappling with her place in a world marked by both beauty and conflict.
"When Mai's family discovers that Vietnam government soldiers will soon apprehend her father and grandmother, the family slips away in the night. They trudge through the swamps of the Mekong Delta toward the sea. The gut-wrenching trip to Hong Kong is just another step toward a new life, which the family eventually finds. Whelan's characters are distinctive, and her story is riveting, haunting, and memorable, reflecting the human virtues of determination, hope, love, and courage in the face of the most devastating of circumstances and injustices."--Booklist.
Deep in the Alaskan wilds, 9-year-old Rachel dreams of owning and racing a sled dog one day. When her father, who breeds and races huskies, gives her the runt of the litter, Rachel names the puppy Silver and sets out to prove he's a champion.
When Clair's mother dies, her father buries himself in work at his church. To get his attention the lonely 13-year-old stops talking. At first, it's her choice, then she finds she is unable to speak. She meets Dorrie, a girl her own age who lives in the woods to avoid her alcoholic father.