Sherryl Rose Jordan (néeBrogden; 8 June 1949 – 15 December 2023) was aNew Zealand writer for children and young adults, specialising in fantasy and historical fiction. She wrote a number of children's and young adult works, published in New Zealand and overseas. She is best known for her booksThe Juniper Game andThe Raging Quiet. In 2001, she received theMargaret Mahy Medal for her contribution to children's literature, publishing and literacy.
Jordan was born Sherryl Rose Brogden on 8 June 1949 inHāwera, the daughter of Alan Vivian Brogden and Patricia Ita Brogden (née Cornwall). and spent her early years inNormanby, inSouth Taranaki.[1][2][3] After the family shifted toTauranga, she was educated atTauranga Girls' College from 1962 to 1964, and then trained as a nurse from 1967 to 1968.[1]
Jordan's early work in children's literature was as an illustrator, and she wrote picture books, middle-grade fiction, and young adult fiction.[4] Her knowledge of sign language and her experience working as a teacher aide with deaf children is a clear influence on her historical fiction,The Raging Quiet.[1]
Jordan died on 15 December 2023.[4]
Jordan's books have been published by a range of publishers internationally.[5]<[2]
Jordan won a number of awards, and her books were shortlisted for awards in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Belgium and Germany.[2][5]
