Kelly Gardiner writes historical fiction for all ages. Her books include The Firewatcher Chronicles; Goddess, based on the life of Mademoiselle de Maupin; 1917: Australia's Great War, which was shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Young People's History Prize and Asher Award; the Swashbuckler pirate trilogy; and a picture book, Billabong Bill's Bushfire Christmas. Her young adult novels include Act of Faith, which was shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, the ASA's Barbara Jefferis Award, and Gold Inky; and The Sultan's Eyes which was also shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards. A former journalist and editor, Kelly now teaches creative writing at La Trobe University.
