Carol Ryrie Brink was a highly acclaimed children's fiction author, best known for her "Caddie Woodlawn" series. Born Caroline Ryrie in 1895 in Geneva, Illinois, she was raised by her maternal grandmother after being orphaned at the age of eight. Brink's grandmother served as the inspiration for the character of Caddie Woodlawn in her award-winning novel.
Brink began writing for her school newspapers and continued this passion into her college years. She attended the University of Idaho for three years before transferring to the University of California in 1917, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1918. It was the same year she got married. Her writing career took off in 1934 with the publication of her first novel, "Anything Can Happen on the River." Brink's writing style was characterized by her ability to create vivid and engaging stories that resonated with young readers.
Over the course of her career, Brink wrote over 30 juvenile and adult books, including "Caddie Woodlawn's Family," the companion volume to "Caddie Woodlawn," and "Baby Island." In 1936, she was awarded the prestigious Newbery Medal for "Caddie Woodlawn," further cementing her status as a leading voice in children's literature. Brink's contributions to the literary world were recognized in 1965 when she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Idaho. The university's English Department building, Brink Hall, is named in her honor, as is the children's section of the Moscow, ID Carnegie public library.