Gladys Malvern – Trailblazer of Historical YA Fiction

Gladys Malvern: The Forgotten Queen of Historical Young Adult Fiction

Gladys Malvern (July 17, 1897 – November 16, 1962) was an American stage actress turned novelist, celebrated for her vivid historical fiction and biographical novels for young adults. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she began performing on Broadway at age eleven and toured the vaudeville circuit before turning to writing. This theatrical background gave her stories a sense of drama and emotional realism that continues to resonate with readers of classic YA literature.

After leaving the stage, Malvern worked in advertising before launching a full-time writing career in the 1930s. Partnering with her sister, Corinne Malvern, an acclaimed illustrator, she created dozens of beautifully produced novels that combined accessible storytelling with richly imagined historical settings. Together, the Malvern sisters became an iconic creative team, shaping mid-20th-century historical fiction for young readers.

Malvern’s novels focus on strong female protagonists and historical authenticity, often highlighting overlooked figures from history and scripture. Her body of work bridges education and entertainment, providing readers with both narrative excitement and cultural insight. Teachers, librarians, and collectors still admire her for her ability to bring history to life with empathy and precision.

Her most popular books include Behold Your Queen - A Story of Esther, and The Foreigner - A Story of Ruth, both of which exemplify her balance between accuracy, adventure, and moral clarity. Although many of her titles are now rare, renewed interest in vintage YA and mid-century historical novels has sparked a revival of appreciation for her legacy. In 2012, Special Edition Books issued reprints of 12 of the most well-known Malvern titles.

Why Gladys Malvern Still Matters

Gladys Malvern’s novels are valuable teaching tools that make history accessible for younger audiences. Her storytelling reflects a commitment to strong moral themes, female empowerment, and faith. The combination of her stage training and her sister’s artistic vision helped her craft books that feel cinematic in tone—an approach that modern educators and historians still find effective for engaging students.

Synopses of Six Notable Works by Gladys Malvern

• Behold Your Queen!: A Story of Esther – A retelling of Queen Esther’s story, following Hadassah as she conceals her identity in the Persian court to save her people from destruction.

• The Foreigner: A Story of Ruth – A heartfelt interpretation of Ruth’s biblical journey of loyalty and faith, showing how love and devotion can transcend cultural boundaries.

• Dancing Star: The Story of Anna Pavlova – A lively biographical novel about the legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova, charting her rise to international fame and artistic immortality.

• Patriot’s Daughter: The Story of Anastasia Lafayette – Set during the French Revolution, this novel centers on a courageous young woman who faces war and intrigue while remaining true to her ideals.

• According to Thomas: A Story of the Apostle Thomas – A fictionalized yet reverent portrait of the Apostle Thomas’s spiritual evolution and travels after Christ’s resurrection.

• The Six Wives of Henry VIII – A sweeping retelling of the Tudor court, capturing the ambitions and tragedies of Henry’s six wives through an accessible, character-driven narrative.

A Legacy Ready for Rediscovery

Gladys Malvern’s fiction blends vivid history with timeless storytelling, making her a significant figure in American literary heritage. Her ability to humanize historical and biblical figures for young readers paved the way for modern YA historical fiction. Today, collectors, teachers, and literary historians regard her books as both educational treasures and nostalgic classics.

Gladys Malvern — Bibliography

1. Kin (1931) — written as Vahrah von Klopp.

2. Jonica’s Island (1945).

3. Gloria, Ballet Dancer (1946).

4. Ann Lawrence of Old New York (1947).

5. According to Thomas: A Story of the Apostle Thomas (1947).

6. Eric’s Girls - A Story of New Amsterdam (1949).

7. Dancing Star: The Story of Anna Pavlova (1942) — often illustrated; biography-style YA novel.

8. Prima Ballerina (1951).

9. Behold Your Queen!: A Story of Esther (1951) — decorations/illustrations credited to Corinne Malvern.

10. Tamar - A Story of the Messiah (1952).

11. Hollywood Star (1953) — A Romance for Young Moderns series.

12. Dear Wife: A Story of the American Revolution (1953).

13. The Foreigner (1954).

14. Mamzelle: A Story of the War of 1812 (1955).

15. Saul’s Daughter (1956).

16. Stephanie (1956).

17. There’s Always Forever (1957).

18. Rhoda of Cyprus (1958).

19. Blithe Genius: The Story of Rossini (1959).

20. Rogues and Vagabonds: A Novel about the First Acting Troupe to Play in America (1959).

21. Patriot’s Daughter: The Story of Anastasia Lafayette (1960).

22. The Secret Sign (1961).

23. Heart’s Conquest (1962).

24. So Great a Love (1962) — late work.

25. The Queen’s Lady (The Queen’s Lady) (1963, posthumous).

26. The World of Lady Jane Grey (1964, posthumous).

27. The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1972 edition cited; posthumous editions).

28. Valiant Minstrel: The Story of Sir Harry Lauder (1943).

29. Curtain Going Up! The Story of Katharine Cornell (date varies by edition) — theatrical biography

30. On Golden Wings: The Story of Giuseppe Verdi (listed in some catalogs).

31. Meg’s Fortune (listed in booksellers’ catalogs).

32. The Great Garcías (listed in seller catalogs).

33. Rusty: The Pup Who Wanted Wings (children’s title found in catalogs).

34. Wilderness Island (listed in used-book catalogs).