Shirlee Smith Matheson has written many books for young people and adults, including numerous junior novels and non-fiction works. Currently living and writing in Calgary, she is the author of "Keeper of the Mountains" (Thistledown), "Fastback Reach" (Orca), and "Lost: True Stories of Canadian Aviation Tragedies" (Fifth House).


Shirlee Smith Matheson a native of Winnipeg, has written more than a dozen fiction and non-fiction Canadian adventure books for readers of all ages, bringing to life the stories of real Canadians for young and old alike. During a distinguished writing career that spans more than fifteen years, Matheson has served as a writer-in-residence in several western-Canadian cities, taught numerous courses on writing, and conducted popular writing workshops in schools and libraries across the west.