• Age: 12 to 15
• Grade: 6
• Reading age: 12 to 15

Commended for the 2009 Best Books for Kids & Teens
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 and doesn’t know what happened to her.
Shelby suspects that something more sinister is going on, and as she digs through clues, discovers that the boyfriend knows far more about the mother’s whereabouts than he’s letting on. But the attempt to uncover secrets puts Shelby and Annie’s lives in danger.

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

• Commended, Best Books for Kids & Teens

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 bringing her stories to life, but in being able to choose subject matter that will resonate with her audience.

After the incredible suspense and downright terror of Eyes of a Stalker, Searching for Yesterday is in many ways, a kinder and gentler story. Nevertheless, it is a story which deals with some real-life issues faced by real-life teens: the search for identity (and birth situations), the consequences of bad choices, and the rewards of facing difficult situations. Valerie Sherrard's telling of Annie's story is compassionate and insightful about the challenges faced by faster children ... Highly recommended for all Shelby Belgarden fans, and really, a good "starter" for those who have yet to meet her.

CM Magazine

Searching for Yesterday (Shelby Belgarden Mystery)