• Age: 13 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12

To catch a liar, he must become a liar.

Ethan Granger has no idea what his father does for work, just that it’s lucrative enough to make his family rich, and it often requires him to go out of town.

But when Ethan catches his dad in a lie, it raises unsettling questions he can’t ignore. Before long, Ethan’s investigation into this seemingly small fib uncovers a whole clandestine — and potentially criminal — operation.

Hiring a private eye, sneaking into his dad’s office, tailing him on his “business trips” — Ethan uses every deceitful trick his father taught him against those closest to him, but just how far will he go to expose the lies?

And what if the truth throws his whole world off balance?

Valerie Sherrard first decided to become an author when she was in grade six! Her homeroom teacher that year, Mr. Alf Lower, praised and encouraged her efforts and instilled in her a lifelong belief in her ability to write. After producing about a dozen books for teens, Sherrard turned her hand to picture books. There’s a COW Under My Bed! introduces Oscar Ollie Brown, who will be embarking on his second adventure in There’s a Goldfish in my Shoe! in the fall of 2009. Since becoming a published author, Sherrard has enjoyed visiting many classrooms and libraries to speak to young people about writing, literacy, and most of all, finding and following your dreams. Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Valerie has spent time in a number of provinces, including her current home of New Brunswick. She lives in Miramichi with her husband Brent and their four cats: Lilly, Thragg, Patootie and Cody.

Valerie Sherrard's profile page

“[The] first-person narration will ensnare readers immediately, sustaining their interest as this compact, strongly paced story navigates red herrings and subplots. … A fast-paced page-turner that explores moral gray areas.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Valerie Sherrard chilled me to the core in An Unbalanced Force. ... Readers who love action, suspense, and drama will enjoy this book.”

Readers’ Favourite

“The novel hooks you early on and you’re not likely to put it down. You really care where it’s leading and how Ethan is going to handle the dilemma. And by the time you’re past the halfway mark, the emotionally-wrought scenes are true heart-stabbers, very skillfully written. … It’s simply a great read, with the moral angst of Ethan’s situation a strong pull throughout.”

YA Dude Books

“Sherrard keeps her readers on the edge of their seats ... Highly Recommended.”

CM Reviews

“Sherrard's An Unbalanced Force is a fast moving, action-packed, suspense-filled thriller, with enough twists and turns that will engage a reader from the first page and perhaps have them question their own integrity and moral fibre alongside Ethan Granger! FIVE STARS!”

Goodreads

“Valerie Sherrard excels at realistic YA in which young people are challenged by ordinary feelings in perhaps uncommon circumstances. In An Unbalanced Force, Ethan is challenged with doing what's right which may be at odds with what his family might want.”

CanLit for LittleCanadians