Searching for Yesterday: A Shelby Belgarden Mystery

by Valerie Sherrard

Annie Berkley, a schoolmate of Shelby's who has appeared in previous books, lives in a foster home and has become depressed. Shelby is concerned and eventually wins over Annie's trust in order to find out what's bothering her.

Annie's mother disappeared several years ago, leaving with her boyfriend when Annie was 8. she was never in touch with her daughter again. But now, the boyfriend has returned, saying that he lost touch with the mother...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1550027883
• ISBN13: 9781550027884
• Release Date: June 2008
• Publisher: Dundurn Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 7.3"
• Age Range: 12 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 10

Customer Reviews

An excellent story, well written, with characters who ring true in today's world

Valerie Sherrard writes novels intended for the younger generation, and she is so good at it that she's been short listed for an impressive array of awards. Her novels also come highly recommended by the OLA Best Bets list and the IODE Violet Downey National Chapter. Valerie lives in Miramichi, New Brunswick with her husband, Brent. Shelby Belgarden is an outgoing young woman with a happy family. One of her classmates, Annie Berkley, is retiring and shy. Shelby decides to befriend Annie, who is a foster child. At first Annie is hesitant, but they become fast friends. In the process, Shelby discovers that Annie's mother disappeared without a trace years ago. Shelby also has a penchant for solving mysteries, and thus a sleuthing partnership is born: "'You think research could actually help me find my, uh...one of my parents?' I wondered which parent she'd been about to say. Probably her mother, since she was the one Annie knew. On the other hand, we had just been talking about her father. Either way, I told her it was certainly possible. 'Even after all this time?' 'There's always information out there somewhere,' I told her, feeling my pulse quicken with excitement at the thought of a new mystery to look into. 'It's just a matter of figuring out how to find it.'" It's easy to see why Valerie Sherrard's books are excellent. Her topics are sensitive, timely, and of interest to not only young people, but all people. Looking for lost parents is one of the most tragic and poignant issues that any vulnerable young person shouldn't have to deal with. Valerie's handling of the subject reflects a rare writer with an almost uncanny ability to look into the human soul. SEARCHING FOR YESTERDAY is an excellent story, well written, with characters who ring true in today's world. Ms. Sherrard has a rare talent for not only bring her stories to life, but in being able to choose subject matter that will resonate with her audience. We all need stories with happy endings in these stormy times. Good for you, Valerie! Shelley Glodowski Senior Reviewer