Awards and Honors

John Burroughs Association Nature Books for Young Readers: The Most Beautiful Roof in the World & John Muir: America's First Environmentalist

2006 IRA Teachers' Choice: Broken Song

Boston Globe Horn Book Award: Weaver's Gift

Newbery Honor: Sugaring Time

ALA Best Book for Young Adults: Beyond the Burning Time

Winner of the National Jewish Book Award: The Night Journey & Marven of the Great North Woods

New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book: She's Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head!

American Bookseller's Pick of The List: True North

Library of Congress Notable Book

Parents' Choice Honor Book: The Librarian Who Measured the Earth

Edgar Allen Poe Nominee, Best Children's Mystery of The Year: Alice Rose and Sam & Double Trouble Squared

National Academy of Science, Best Book of The Year: Monarchs

The Washington Post / Children's Book Guild Award: for the body of Lasky's non-fiction work

Orbis Pictus Honor for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children: The Man Who Made Time Travel & John Muir: America's First Environmentalist

Subaru/SB&F Key Award for Science Concepts Nominee


More Praise for Kathryn Lasky

Lasky seamlessly weaves a great deal of history into this novel... She vividly portrays a wide swath of society—rich and poor, slaves and gladiators, priests and priestesses as well as the working people of Pompeii. Her well-rounded main characters exist in a world on the brink of disaster, a fact well known to most readers. Even so, Lasky effectively uses subtle indications of the impending eruption to increase the suspense and keep readers on the edge of their seats.

-School Library Journal review of The Last Girls of Pompeii

In this lively tale, Lasky shows not only the physical work and thrills of buccaneering, but also the complex feelings that come with the job... Children will enjoy the view of the sea bandits who are greedy and ruthless, vulnerable and goofy, and who yearn for true friendship almost as much as a chest filled with jewels.

-Booklist featured review of Pirate Bob

While the owls have human characteristics, such as Soren's determination and Gylfie's creative ideas, their actions and culture reflect Lasky's research into owl behaviors and species. The story's fast pace, menacing bad guys, and flashes of humor make this a good choice for reluctant readers, while the underlying message about the power of legends provides a unifying element and gives strong appeal for fantasy fans.

-School Library Journal review of The Capture
(Guardians of Ga'Hoole, Book 1)

Lasky's writing creates scenes and relates facts in ways that are vivid and memorable. Every page of this large-format book features colorful photographs that reflect the you-are-there quality of the text: long-range views of the forest, close ups that bring individual species into focus, and many pictures of Lowman and her sons, which have a natural, unstudied look. Fresh in outlook and intriguing in the details, this book will strengthen any library collection on the rainforest.

Lasky demonstrates how vigorous historical fiction can enliven the facts found in most textbooks.

-Kirkus Reviews review of A Journey to the New World
(Dear America)

Through rich prose filled with imagery, distinct characterization, and historical research, Lasky breathes life into the horrific history of anti-Semitism in Russia in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.

-School Library Journal review of Broken Song

Moving but never sentimental, Lasky's text proves the poetic power of simple, straightforward language...

-Publisher's Weekly review of Sophie and Rose

Quality writing, lively characterizations, and abundant historical detail.

-Booklist review of Marie Antoinette (The Royal Diaries)

A rousing good story and two strong female protagonists make this novel of the Underground Railroad an energetic work of historical fiction.

-Kirkus Reviews review of True North

With elaborate images and atmospheric prose, Lasky spins a tale that is rich with meaning and ripe for interpretation... Lasky's eloquent and lush sense of language and text woven together with Janet Stevens' glowing illustrations, achieve an effect that is not unlike the wind it self-flowing and encompassing while beckoning readers to wove with the story's pace.

-The New Advocate review of The Gates of the Wind

What's New


Just released!

John Muir: America's First Environmentalist The inspiring tale of one of America’s most dedicated environmentalists.

Click here to see all of Kathryn's new books.

Copyright © Kathryn Lasky Inc. All rights reserved.