Shirlee Smith Matheson is the author of 14 published books for both young and adult readers. Her work as Administrative Officer at the Aero Space Museum of Calgary complements her writing, as eight of her books focus on Canadian aviation adventures. She frequently gives readings and writing workshops in schools, libraries, at writing conferences, and to various organizations. She has served as a writer-in-residence at schools and colleges, and has taught evening writing courses in the fields of children's literature, short story and memoir writing.

Fastback Beach, Orca Soundings, 2003 (ISBN 1-55143-267-6);3rd printing 2006; also available in hardcover;

Keeper of the Mountains, Thistledown Press, 2000 (ISBN 1-894345-13-4);

Flying Ghosts, (originally Stoddart, now Fitzhenry/Whiteside), 1993 (ISBN 0-7736-7400-4); 2nd printing 2005;

The Gambler's Daughter, sequel to Flying Ghosts, (originally Beach Holme, now Dundurn), 1997 (ISBN 0-88878-380-9); teacher's guide available;

Prairie Pictures, McClelland & Stewart, 1989 (ISBN 0-7710-5857-8); 2nd printing 1994 (currently out of print available only from author);

City Pictures sequel to Prairie Pictures McClelland & Stewart, 1994 (ISBN 0-7710-5860-8); also published in Sweden (currently out of print available only from author).

Non-fiction (suitable for junior-senior high students & adults)

Lost: True Stories of Canadian Aviation Tragedies, Fifth House/Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2005 (ISBN 1-8948561-18-X);

Flying the Frontiers, Vol. I A Half-Million Hours of Aviation Adventures , Fifth House/Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1994; 7th printing 2005, (ISBN 1-895618-51-7);

Flying the Frontiers, Vol. II More Hours of Aviation Adventures , Detselig/Temeron Books, 1996, 2nd printing 1998 (ISBN 1-55059-131-2);

Flying the Frontiers, Vol. III Aviation Adventures Around the World , Detselig/Temeron Books, 1999, (ISBN 1-55059-176-2);

A Western Welcome to the World the history of Calgary International Airport, Cherbo Publishers, USA, 1996 (sold out no longer in print).

This Was Our Valley (co-authored with Earl K. Pollon), Detselig/Temeron Books, 1989; 2nd printing 1991; 2nd edition 2003 (ISBN 1-55059-244-0);

Youngblood of the Peace (originally Lone Pine, 1987), 2nd edition Detselig/Temeron Books 1991 (ISBN 1-55059-033-2).

Maverick in the Sky: the Aerial Adventures of World War I Ace, Captain Freddie McCall, Frontenac House, Calgary; ISBN 978-1-897181-16-4 Dec 2007;

Strange Flights and Flyers TBA 2008

Short stories published in anthologies, e.g., Alberta Bound (1986), Alberta Rebound (1990), NeWest Press; Treeline I (1981) and II (1983), Northern Lights College, BC; Writers of the Okanagan Mainline (1985) Kelowna BC; Canadian Childrens Annual (1988), Grolier; Choices (1994) Canadian Christian Education Foundation, and others.

Short stories & articles published in numerous periodicals and on-line (e.g., www.celebrateteachers.com, August 8-14, 2005 entry; see authors website (www.ssmatheson.ca) under short stories for other examples.

Readings (45-60 minutes) include oral interaction with students re: creating characters, plotting a storyline and nailing the setting. Lots of fun, with short readings and stories, adjusted to ages and interest areas/levels of audiences. I can do two in a half-day, or four in a full day. Two readings can be combined with a workshop to make a full day.

Writing workshops (90-120 minutes), e.g., Creating Peculiar People, Places and Plots, combine examples and exercises with lively discussions. Details will be provided upon request (email or phone the author). Maximum 25 students for best results.

Past venues/presentations: Calgary Young Writers Conference, Foothills Young Writers Conference (Okotoks), Red Deer Young Writers Conference (Oriole Park School); Campus Calgary (Aero Space Museum, Calgary).

Canadian Children's Book Centre Choice for all young adult novels;
Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award, twice nominated;
Alberta Culture winner in non-fiction category, and BC Book prize finalist (Roderick-Haig Brown Award) for This Was Our Valley 1991.
Personal Awards:
-Athabasca University Distinguished Alumni 2001-2
-Northern Lights College, BC, Honorary Associate of Arts, 2001
-Emerald Award for Environmental Excellence (Arts), 2001
-99s Organization of Women Pilots literary award, 1999