Title: Meet Caroline
Author: Kathleen Ernst
First published January 1, 2012
104 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781593698829 (ISBN10: 1593698828)
Rating: 4.13
Overview
In Meet Caroline by Kathleen Ernst, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the life of Caroline Abbott. Caroline is a young and adventurous girl who loves nothing more than sailing on Lake Ontario with her father.
But when war breaks out between America and Britain, Caroline’s life is turned upside down. Her father is taken prisoner, and Caroline must stay strong and steady to help her family’s shipyard stay afloat.
As the British attack her village, Caroline must summon all her courage to help her side emerge victorious. This inspiring tale also includes an illustrated “Looking Back” essay about America in 1812.
Join Caroline on her journey and discover the true meaning of bravery and determination.
About the Author
I spent my childhood in Maryland surrounded by books. My parents were avid readers, which I’m grateful for.
Whenever we were going on a trip, my mom, who was a librarian, would bring home historical novels set in the places we were visiting. It was a fantastic way to get excited about history.
When I was around 10 or 11, I began writing stories. At 15, I wrote my first novel, and it took me 20 years to sell it to a publisher.
During those two decades, I kept writing, reading, and practicing because writing was my hobby. It was an incredible feeling to finally hold my first book in my hands, but I still write because I love the process (most of the time, anyway).
For years, I wrote while holding other day jobs. I worked for 12 years at a massive historic site that was perfect for someone interested in historical fiction.
I also created and wrote instructional videos for public television. Eventually, it became too much to handle, and I decided to write full-time.
I consider myself extremely lucky to do something I enjoy.
Editoral Review
Meet Caroline by Kathleen Ernst is a gripping historical novel that provides insightful commentary on themes of family, identity, and social change. The book was first published on January 1, 2012 and has since become a beloved children’s classic.
The author, Kathleen Ernst, is a historian and writer who has dedicated her career to exploring the lives and struggles of people in the past. Her deep knowledge of history shines through in Meet Caroline, which is set during the War of 1812 in colonial America.
This book falls under the genre of historical fiction, which takes real historical events and people and adds fictional characters and plotlines to create a story that brings history to life. Meet Caroline is both exciting and educational, introducing young readers to the world of American history in an engaging and accessible way.
The book follows the story of a young girl named Caroline, who is caught in the middle of the war between America and Britain. Caroline is a brave and determined character who faces many challenges, from dealing with her father’s capture by the British to standing up to bullies at her school.
The setting of the book is beautifully described, with the author painting vivid pictures of the landscapes and people of colonial America. The historical and cultural significance of the period is also explored in detail, allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the complex social and political dynamics of the time.
The writing is of high quality, with clean, crisp prose that flows beautifully. The pacing of the story is expertly handled, with the tension and excitement building gradually to a satisfying climax.
The characters are well-rounded and believable, with realistic motivations and flaws that make them relatable and engaging. One slight weakness of the book is that some of the plot points feel a little predictable, and some of the dialogue can be a bit heavy-handed.
However, these minor criticisms do not detract from the overall quality and enjoyment of the book. In conclusion, Meet Caroline is an exceptional historical novel that is both entertaining and educational.
It is a must-read for young readers who are interested in American history, as well as anyone who enjoys well-crafted fiction with strong characters and well-developed themes. Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended for: Children and young adults aged 10 and up, history buffs, fans of historical fiction.
