Sally Gardner Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. From Maggot Moon to Literary Moonshot:
British author Sally Gardner has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (RSL), one of the most prestigious honours in British letters. Announced in June 2025, Gardner joins a distinguished circle of writers recognised for their outstanding literary contribution and enduring impact.
Best known for her award-winning novels I, Coriander and Maggot Moon, Gardner’s work spans children’s and young adult literature, blending fantasy, historical fiction, and powerful themes of identity and difference. Her stories speak to readers who have ever felt out of place—and encourage them to see that imagination and individuality are strengths.
Gardner, who is dyslexic, has also become a leading advocate for rethinking how we view dyslexia, championing it as “a gift and a different way of thinking.” Her election to the RSL not only honours her literary achievements but also celebrates her work in expanding how we define intelligence and creativity.
“I’m honoured beyond words to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature,” said Gardner. “This recognition is not just for me—it’s for every reader who has felt unseen and every young person who thinks differently.”
The Royal Society of Literature, founded in 1820, elects new Fellows annually to celebrate and support the best in contemporary writing. Gardner’s inclusion in the 2025 cohort reflects the Society’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and celebrating the power of storytelling in all its forms.
