I have been reading author Caroline Starr Rose’s blog for a few years. I really like her mix of children’s book reviews, quotes on reading, writing links and author interviews. As mom of two kids, a full-time writer AND blogger on social media, I don’t know how she does it all!
As an ex-social studies and English teacher, Caroline Starr Rose intuitively understands how to make history come alive for kids. If novels-in-verse seem like a stretch to get kids reading, I would hypothesize that they just need to give it a try with a few pages … novels-in-verse lure the reader in. I am a converted fan who was never comfortable reading poetry myself!
Her first novel-in-verse, May B., would appeal to Little House on the Prairie fans.
From National Geographic
Her second novel-in-verse, Blue Birds, should be a book to read for Thanksgiving as it gives another perspective on the holiday. Those who likes a good mystery, particularly one set in U.S. history, will appreciate her well researched possible outcome of her the lost colony of Roanoke. Girls who appreciate stories of friendship that cross cultures and forbidden boundaries will be drawn into this story of Pilgrim vs Native American.
Told in alternate chapters between Alis (think “Alice”), a twelve-year-old girl who has arrived in the New World from England, and Kimi, an American Indian girl, their unexpected friendship will require a sacrifice that will possibly shape history forever.
No matter what you believe happened, Blue Birds presents history in its most fascinating from, a mystery that still is unsolved in the form of a novel in verse that makes you feel like you are living and breathing the past. [novel in verse, ages 9 and up]
Giveaway!
Caroline Starr Rose is giving away a gorgeous, hand-lettered BLUE BIRDS quote PDF created by Annie Barrett of Be Small Studios here.
p.s. Some links on The Lost Colony of Roanoke:
National Geographic: Have We Found The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island?
It’s a play by Roanoke Voyages if you are in Manteo, NC!
5 Popular Theories About What Happened to The Lost Colony of Roanoke
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Mia,
Thank you so much for alerting me to this book! I’m a huge verse novel fan, and I loved May B. So looking forward to this one!
~Maria
Hi Maria,
It’s so great. I think you are going to love it!!
Thank you so much, Mia. This is lovely.
Hi Caroline,
I so enjoyed your book! And now I am feeling the need to visit Roanoke, Virginia with my family to learn more about American history!
Oh, I just checked out Caroline’s site and read a bit more about Blue Birds — sounds like a book after my own heart. I love free verse because if written well it adds an intimacy that prose doesn’t convey. Very unique period to write about. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Patricia,
Blue Birds will not disappoint you then! Caroline is masterful at creating free verse that draws you in and tells a much deeper story than prose would. Her books are wonderful! I hope you get your hands on a copy soon! I’d love to hear what you think after you read it.
This sounds neat! I love it when history is brought to life for kids – so important!
Hi MaryAnne,
Me too! I have an itch to visit Roanoke too if we ever do a trip to Washington DC!