User:Jennifer Gladen

Jennifer Gladen is a children’s author, mother of three and teacher who lives and writes in Pennsylvania. She is the author three children’s books: A Star in the Night, Teresa’s Shadow, and Angel Donor through Guardian Angel Publishing. She also has written several children’s stories, poems and articles, and started her own Catholic e-zine titled My Light Magazine.

As a child she was often found reading, writing in journals, or creating stories of her own. Her favorite classes in highschool and college were the English and Creative Writing courses. When asked what her most memorable learning moment from highschool she said, "After a full semester of reading a book and working for months on a research paper, it was time to get our graded papers back. I looked at the grade, which was an A. But the biggest thing which stuck with me was her comment: Great job Jen, you little writer, you!"

However, it wasn't until after graduating from college, teaching and having her second child that she began writing professionally. She started writing articles, short stories and poetry. She has been published in several magazines inlcuding Once Upon a Time, Stories for Children, Catholic Mom, and Guardian Angel Kids.

In September 2010 her first picture book, A Star in the Night, was published through Guardian Angel Publishing and illustrated by K.C. Snider. A Star in the Night is a Christmas story about the true meaning of Christmas. Is it all about the shopping, gifts, cookies and parties? Or is there something more David is missing? David makes his way home on Christmas Eve and sees this is no ordinary night. Accompanied by a shimmering star and some tough decisions, David encounters three experiences that will change his view of Christmas forever. Join David on his wondrous journey home.

Just one month later her second picture book Teresa's Shadow, was released through Guardian Angel Publishing. Illustratd by Marina Movshina, Teresa's Shadow is a popular bedtime story among school age children. One night at bedtime Teresa discovers Corky, a furry visitor, in her room. Corky is no ordinary monster. In fact he seems just as scared as Teresa. Teresa soon realizes she must help Corky get home. But how can she when she’s afraid of the dark and Corky is afraid of the light?

Her third picture book is one close to her heart. Angel Donor, released June 2012, is a story about a little girl born with Biliary Atresia - a rare liver disease, who is in need of a liver transplant.Taken from the book's blurb: Olivia never asked to have a disease like Biliary Atresia. It made her liver sick and only a transplant will make her better. After waiting several months and close to losing hope, she gets the call she’s been waiting for. The journey of her life is about to begin.

Angel Donor is based on her middle child's real life experience with Biliary Atresia and the need for a life saving transplant. The illustrator, Samantha Bell, was so touched by the story, that she invited the author's daughter to illustrate a page in the book.

When not working on her books, Jennifer Gladen is either managing her Catholic children's e-zine titled My Light Magazine, or working on her articles for her Catholic Mom columns. My Light Magazine began when Ms. Gladen realized that with all the distractions these days, children need more material which supports their faith made available to them. Though she had no money, and little experience, she felt the call in her heart to go forth with this calling. And with the help of several people donating their time and expertise, My Light Magazine is slowly growing.

Jennifer Gladen is a member of The SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) and the CWG (Catholic Writer's Guild.) She has presented at Holy Family University, done several other presentations, author visits/events and is available for bookings. To book an event, visit http://jengladen.com/Author-Visits.php for more information.