Clara Gillow Clark
ICL Instructor
Clara Gillow Clark is the author of six novels of historical fiction for middle grade readers, some of which are based on the true stories of her family.
Her book, Secrets of Greymoor (Candlewick Press) received excellent reviews for its plentiful period details and depth of emotion. Booklist called it a “taut, engaging story,” and School Library Journal wrote,
“. . .More than a mystery or a piece of historical fiction, this story deals with honesty, friendship, and family relations.” According to Horn Book, “. . .readers will look forward to the hinted at next book. . .”
Hill Hawk Hattie (Candlewick Press) and its sequel, Hattie on Her Way, follow eleven year old Hattie through trying times with her family in the late 1800s. Hill Hawk Hattie received a starred review from Booklist; it was a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year; and appeared on the Master Reading Lists of numerous states. Hattie on Her Way received a starred review from Kirkus, which raved, “. . .with rich descriptive prose and solid characterizations, Clark successfully develops a largely satisfying mystery and family story with a perfect ending.” Hattie on Her Way was nominated for the Charlie May Simon Children’s Book Award.
Ms. Clark’s additional titles include Willie and the Rattlesnake King (Boyds Mills Press), an International Reading Association Award winner. Nellie Bishop (Boyds Mills Press) was an American Booksellers Association Pick of the Lists, a 1996 Honor Book from the Society of School Librarians International, and appeared on the Master Lists for numerous states.
Her first novel, Annie’s Choice (Boyds Mills Press), was based on her mother’s childhood and was favorably compared to Anne of Green Gables by VOYA. School Library Journal wrote, “Well-developed characters, entertaining family and school scenes, and believable dialogue.”And from Publisher’s Weekly, “Telling Annie’s story, Clark depicts a time, place, and way of life with notable style and charm.”
Fiction by Clara Gillow Clark
Secrets of Greymoor, Candlewick Press
Hill Hawk Hattie, Candlewick Press
Hattie on Her Way, Candlewick Press
Willie and the Rattlesnake King, Boyds Mill Press
Nellie Bishop, Boyds Mill Press
Annie's Choice, Boyds Mill Press
Magazines & Other
Short stories and articles in various magazines.
Faculty Member at Highlights Foundation.
Clara Gillow Clark
ICL Instructor
Clara Gillow Clark is the author of six novels of historical fiction for middle grade readers, some of which are based on the true stories of her family.
Fiction by Clara Gillow Clark
Secrets of Greymoor, Candlewick Press
Hill Hawk Hattie, Candlewick Press
Hattie on Her Way, Candlewick Press
Willie and the Rattlesnake King, Boyds Mill Press
Nellie Bishop, Boyds Mill Press
Annie's Choice, Boyds Mill Press
Magazines & Other
Short stories and articles in various magazines.
Faculty Member at Highlights Foundation.
Her book, Secrets of Greymoor (Candlewick Press) received excellent reviews for its plentiful period details and depth of emotion. Booklist called it a “taut, engaging story,” and School Library Journal wrote,
“. . .More than a mystery or a piece of historical fiction, this story deals with honesty, friendship, and family relations.” According to Horn Book, “. . .readers will look forward to the hinted at next book. . .”
Hill Hawk Hattie (Candlewick Press) and its sequel, Hattie on Her Way, follow eleven year old Hattie through trying times with her family in the late 1800s. Hill Hawk Hattie received a starred review from Booklist; it was a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year; and appeared on the Master Reading Lists of numerous states. Hattie on Her Way received a starred review from Kirkus, which raved, “. . .with rich descriptive prose and solid characterizations, Clark successfully develops a largely satisfying mystery and family story with a perfect ending.” Hattie on Her Way was nominated for the Charlie May Simon Children’s Book Award.
Ms. Clark’s additional titles include Willie and the Rattlesnake King (Boyds Mills Press), an International Reading Association Award winner. Nellie Bishop (Boyds Mills Press) was an American Booksellers Association Pick of the Lists, a 1996 Honor Book from the Society of School Librarians International, and appeared on the Master Lists for numerous states.
Her first novel, Annie’s Choice (Boyds Mills Press), was based on her mother’s childhood and was favorably compared to Anne of Green Gables by VOYA. School Library Journal wrote, “Well-developed characters, entertaining family and school scenes, and believable dialogue.”And from Publisher’s Weekly, “Telling Annie’s story, Clark depicts a time, place, and way of life with notable style and charm.”
In addition to books, Ms. Clark has published short stories and articles. She continues to be a guest speaker and serve as faculty for workshops at Highlights Foundation.
Clara was born and raised in the Northeast corner of Pennsylvania near the Delaware River. She and her husband live in a country cottage with woods and meadows and a pond. They don't have pets, but they do have lots of wildlife–black ducks, green and great heron, mergansers, wood ducks, mallards, geese. Sometimes osprey and eagle come up from the river to fish. They often see white tail deer, bobcats, coyote, fox, black bear, turkeys, opossum, owls, porcupine, rabbits, squirrels, and more. Once a moose visited and occasionally they see a lynx. It's kind of like an outdoor zoo without cages and bars.
Books by Clara Gillow Clark
Secrets of Greymoor
Hill Hawk Hattie
Hattie on Her Way
Annie's Choice
Nellie Bishop
