CHILDREN'S AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Caroline primarily writes historical fiction for kids. Her writing is engaging, her characters possess depth, and readers can always expect an adventure. While she doesn't explicitly write Christian fiction, her writing shines as a great example of Christian writers making an impact on the world through quality writing.
My son and I finished reading Jasper and the Riddle of Riley's Mine together and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure! History during the gold rush to Alaska came alive on the pages of this book! For a stellar example of Caroline's writing abilities, check out May B, a middle grade book written completely in verse!
Thirteen-year-old Jack knows what cured his baby sister when his family thought she might never get well—Dr. Kingsbury’s “Miraculous Tonic.” Guaranteed to relieve maladies known to man or beast, Dr. Kingsbury’s potion can cure everything from pimples to hearing loss to a broken heart, and Jack himself is a witness to the miraculous results and the doctor’s kindness. When he had no money, the doctor didn’t turn him away but gave him the tonic for free along with a job—to travel with him from city to city selling his cure-all elixir.
When Dr. Kingsbury and Jack arrive in Oakdale, the town at first feels like any other they’ve been to. But it’s clear Oakdale is a town with secrets, and its citizens are slow to trust strangers.
Then Jack meets Cora, and a friendship neither expected starts to bloom. Together they uncover something else they didn’t expect—not only secrets about the town but also Dr. Kingsbury. As they race to discover the truth, they’ll have to decide who and what to believe before it’s too late.
When Dr. Kingsbury and Jack arrive in Oakdale, the town at first feels like any other they’ve been to. But it’s clear Oakdale is a town with secrets, and its citizens are slow to trust strangers.
Then Jack meets Cora, and a friendship neither expected starts to bloom. Together they uncover something else they didn’t expect—not only secrets about the town but also Dr. Kingsbury. As they race to discover the truth, they’ll have to decide who and what to believe before it’s too late.
Now let's jump in and learn more about Caroline and her writing (and perhaps you'll see why your family might enjoy her books as well.)
Children’s books are the ones that made me a reader. Of the books I’ve read in the course of my life, they have left the biggest impression on me — shaping me as a person, exposing me to new people and places, allowing me to explore situations I might one day encounter (and others I hope never to experience) from the safety of home. They’ve piqued my curiosity, taught me compassion, and helped me see the beauty and wonder of our incredible world.
What is it about historical fiction that most sparks your interest?
When I was a kid, I liked history, but I never felt very “good” at it. There was so much to know and too much to grasp. Historical fiction gave me a window into the past that history class missed — a flesh-on-bone experience of other times and places. Books gave me a way to see the humanity of people from long ago, the similarities we share and the differences, too. History came alive to me through story. I want to offer the same to young readers!
How does your Christian worldview impact your writing?
Have you ever thought of this before? God could have given the world His message in a million different ways, but He chose to use “story” — the true account of His faithfulness to His people (what we call the Bible) as the way for us to know Him. How incredible is that? Story is ingrained in who we are as human beings. If we are exposed to it (and it’s really impossible not to be), we come to intuitively know its structure. Story feels sacred to me, a basic form of human connection. How amazing is it that I get to tell stories for a living?
What do you hope readers take away from your newest book, Miraculous?
There’s a quote from author and theologian Frederick Buechner that often came to mind while I was writing Miraculous. It encompasses what I hope the book (and, ideally, all my writing) conveys: “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.”
This world is sometimes a difficult place. I don’t want to shy away from that reality in my books, but I also want to always offer kids hope. What was really lovely to discover as I worked on Miraculous was the message of forgiveness it offers, too. (Authors don’t always know the full scope of their work until it’s completed.) So many characters in Miraculous are afforded second chances. I found such kindness and generosity in that.
From the books you've written so far, who is your favorite character? Why?
Oof. I’m never able to answer this question! Probably the best way for me to try is to focus on the character I’m currently spending time with, as that character is always my (current) favorite. Right now that’s Opal Gloria Halloway, a girl who’s been raised in a fire towel in New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness. I’ve wanted to write a book about my beloved home state for ages. I’ve also felt I wasn’t finished exploring nature and solitude, as I did in my first novel, May B. Opal’s story has given me the chance to do both. Look for The Burning Season in early 2024!
I love Opal because she finds so much joy in her “small” life tucked away on the side of a mountain. She loves her family, loves her home in the Gila, and longs to do the work she was raised for — becoming a fire lookout like her mother and grandmother before her. But Opal is secretly afraid of fire. I love her courage and resourcefulness in the face of the unexpected. I think she’s an all-around really cool kid and hope readers think so, too.
As a former teacher and kids author, what advice would you give parents as they help kids select good literature to read?
In my mind, any book that gets a kid reading is a good book. Think of those of us who consider ourselves life-long readers. It’s the love of reading that draws us back to books time and again, isn’t it? How do we foster a love of reading? By exposing our children to books upon books and by giving them the freedom to choose what they read. Sometimes that might mean books we grownups see as frivolous or beneath their skill level. Sometimes that means allowing a child to read a favorite again and again. Assigned and required books can be wonderful and certainly have their place, but if we want to truly raise readers, it’s important to give them the opportunity to make their own choices — as all life-long readers do.
Be sure to swing by Caroline's blog to learn more about her, sign up for her newsletter, or track with her writing journey.
Swing by my blog on December 11th to meet the next author in this series.
Also, mark your calendar to catch the first post in the Reaching the Lost family prayer guide series launching on January 15th!
Caroline Starr Rose is a middle grade and picture book author whose books have been ALA-ALSC Notable,* Junior Library Guild, ABA New Voices,** Kids’ Indie Next, Amazon’s Best Books of the Month for Kids, and Bank Street College of Education Best Books selections. In addition, her books have been nominated for almost two dozen state award lists. Caroline was named a Publisher’s Weekly Flying Start Author for her debut novel, May B. She spent her childhood in the deserts of Saudi Arabia and New Mexico and taught social studies and English in four different states. Caroline now lives with her husband and two sons in New Mexico.
*American Library Association – Association for Library Service to Children
**American Booksellers Association
Caroline's Books
