She is Legend
History inspires me, especially American history. I write historical American fantasy, a blend
of American history with the tall tale tradition that captures so much of the
American identity. In exploring themes of racial and social justice, I recreate
historical communities of those who often feel unseen and unheard, those whose
isolated lives were complex and multi-layered, not only defined by class,
gender and race, but also lived experiences.
In my new book, Barbary Chronicles, Jack London and
her found family live in the shadows of San Francisco’s elite. They build a
community that brings together their diverse experiences, and discover that in
rising up, united in resistance, they empower each other to create their own
destiny. Such stories empower the young, and often reluctant, reader to seek
and ultimately discover the hero within herself.
If you know someone, or if you love to read stories that empower young readers, especially
girls, to be their own heroes, you may be interested in these courageous,
intelligent, and resilient girls who play a part in every culture and every
time. In each of these stories, she is legend!
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Rebellion 1776 (Atheneum, 2025).
Young patriot Elspeth navigates the American Revolution, works for a British
Loyalist and faces a smallpox outbreak.
Armstrong, Jennifer. Steal Away (Scholastic, 1993). After
losing her parents, Susannah is sent to her uncle’s plantation, where she meets
Bethlehem. The two become allies as Susannah runs north and Bethlehem runs for
freedom.
Coats, J. Anderson. The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls
(Atheneum, 2025). In 1910, Immigrant Stanislava feels caught between her
heritage and her dreams of independence.
Fantaskey, Beth. Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter (Clarion
Books, 2016). In 1920s Chicago, Isabel works as a newsie, but dreams of being a
reporter. When her friend is accused of murder, she investigates the crime.
Hopkinson, Deborah. The Plot to Kill a Queen (Scholastic
Press, 2023). In 1582, Emilia dreams of writing plays that includes exciting
female characters, not the sideline roles she sees on stage. Through a series
of chance encounters, she stumbles on the plot to kill Queen Elizabeth.
Lindstrom, Carole. Red River Rose (Bloomsbury Publishing,
2026). A Métis girl in 1885 joins an indigenous resistance movement to protect
her community from forced land removal.
Noor Khan, Hiba. Safiyyah’s War (HarperCollins, 2023).
Inspired by the true story of how the Grand Mosque of Paris saved the lives of
hundreds of Jews during the Nazi occupation.
Ransome, Lesa Cline. One Big Open Sky (Holiday House, 2025).
Told in verse, this follows the narratives of three women as they relocate from
Mississippi to Nebraska during the Great Migration.
Yan Glaser, Karina. The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli (HarperCollins,
2025). In this Newbery Honor-winning bestseller, breathtaking suspense,
unforgettable characters, and a pinch of magic combine in the dual stories of
two young people--one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown--on perilous
journeys to save their families.
For more information
about my book, Barbary Chronicles: The Lost Prince, please visit the book page
at Charlesbridge Moves here!
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