Kathleen Karr

Kathleen Karr is an accomplished historical romance and inspirational author, best known for her award-winning novels and contributions to children's literature. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Karr spent her childhood and early teen years on a chicken farm in Dorothy, New Jersey. These formative years in the countryside would later provide inspiration for many of her rural and historical settings.

After graduating from Catholic University with a bachelor's degree, Karr went on to earn her English literature master's from Providence College. Her first job in the workforce was at the American Film Institute in Washington DC, where she gained experience in the film industry and taught at both the high school and college levels. It was only after receiving a dare from her husband that Karr began writing fiction, making her debut as a women’s fiction author with “Light of My Heart” in 1984. She continued to hone her skills in women’s fiction before transitioning to writing for young readers, a shift that was prompted by her children’s request for her to write something for them.

Kathleen Karr has written over two dozen novels, including the acclaimed "Destiny's Dreamers" and "Petticoat Party" series, as well as several standalone titles. Her works often explore historical settings and themes, and she has received numerous accolades for her writing, including the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Medallion, the Young adult/children’s mystery of the year, and the SCBWI Golden Kite Award. Her novel "The Great Turkey Walk" was named a Best Book of the Year by both School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, while "The Boxer" won the Golden Kite Award for Fiction and received an Agatha Award for Best Mystery. With a proven track record of captivating storytelling and historical accuracy, Karr's works continue to resonate with readers of all ages.