Author Profile
Susan Cooper
21 Books
Susan Cooper is an acclaimed British-American author best known for her contributions to children's and young adult literature, particularly the classic fantasy sequence The Dark Is Rising. Throughout her prolific career, she has penned a wide variety of works ranging from picture books like The Shortest Day and The Word Pirates to historical and science fiction novels such as Ghost Hawk and Green Boy. Her captivating storytelling often weaves together elements of myth, history, and magic, earning her prestigious honors including the Newbery Medal.
Jethro and the Jumbie
Susan Cooper
Adventure
Fiction
-
/5
Victory
Susan Cooper
Adventure
History
-
/5
The Dark Is Rising Sequence
The Dark Is Rising
Susan Cooper
Adventure
Classics
-
/5
King of Shadows
Susan Cooper
Fantasy
Theater
-
/5
The Silver Cow: A Welsh Tale
Susan Cooper
Animals
Fairy Tales
-
/5
The Dark Is Rising Sequence
The Grey King
Susan Cooper
Adventure
Classics
-
/5
The Boggart
The Boggart Fights Back
Susan Cooper
Environment
Fantasy
-
/5
Green Boy
Susan Cooper
Adventure
Environment
-
/5
Ghost Hawk
Susan Cooper
Friendship
Ghosts
-
/5
Seaward
Susan Cooper
Adventure
Fantasy
-
/5
The Dark Is Rising Sequence
Over Sea, Under Stone
Susan Cooper
Adventure
Fantasy
-
/5
Matthew's Dragon
Susan Cooper
Dreams
Fantasy
-
/5
The Dark Is Rising Sequence
Silver on the Tree
Susan Cooper
Adventure
Classics
-
/5
The Boggart
The Boggart and the Monster
Susan Cooper
Adventure
Fantasy
-
/5
The Dark Is Rising Sequence
Greenwitch
Susan Cooper
Adventure
Fantasy
-
/5
The Magician's Boy
Susan Cooper, Serena Riglietti
Adventure
Fairy Tales
-
/5
The Boggart
The Boggart
Susan Cooper, Omar Rayyan
Adventure
Fantasy
-
/5
The Word Pirates
Susan Cooper, Steven Kellogg
Adventure
Fantasy
-
/5
Dawn of Fear
Susan Cooper, Margery Gill
Courage
Friendship
-
/5
The Shortest Day
Susan Cooper, Carson Ellis
History
Holidays
-
/5
Frog
Susan Cooper, Jane Browne, Elisabeth Duval
Animals
Courage
-
/5
Jethro is furious. His older brother refuses to take him deep-sea fishing, claiming Jethro is simply too small for such a big adventure. Stomping off in frustration, Jethro marches right down the trail and bumps straight into a jumbie! Now, most people would be terrified to meet a shape-shifting spirit. But Jethro is much too angry to be scared of any ghost. Instead of running away, he decides to strike a clever deal. If the jumbie can help convince his stubborn brother to let him on that fishing boat, Jethro will help the jumbie in return. Get ready for a wonderfully funny and magical story about proving you are bigger and braver than anyone thinks. You will love watching Jethro team up with a mischievous spirit to get exactly what he wants. It is the perfect adventure for anyone who has ever been told they are too little to do something great!
6-8 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
By:
Susan Cooper
Two kids living centuries apart are about to be pulled together by a moment in time that changed history forever. In present day America, a young English girl is struggling with deep homesickness after moving across the world. Meanwhile, in the year 1803, an eleven year old boy is serving in the British Royal Navy aboard the legendary H.M.S. Victory, commanded by the famous Admiral Horatio Nelson. Though they live in completely different eras, a mysterious and powerful connection begins to bridge the gap between their lives. As the story alternates between the modern world and the dangerous, thrilling life aboard a nineteenth century warship, both children must find their own kind of courage. This gripping novel weaves together the past and the present, taking you on an unforgettable journey through naval history, personal triumph, and the incredible ties that bind us across time.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
225 Pages
N/A
/5
The Dark Is Rising Sequence
The Dark Is Rising
By:
Susan Cooper
The day before Will Stanton's eleventh birthday, strange and terrifying things begin to happen on his family's farm. He receives a cryptic gift, spots a terrifying flock of birds, and feels a deep, cold fear emerging from the shadows. When he wakes up on his birthday, which also happens to be Midwinter Day, Will discovers an astounding secret: he is the last of the Old Ones. He is part of an ancient group of immortals dedicated to fighting the Dark and keeping evil from taking over the world. Thrust into a dangerous magical destiny, Will must embark on a quest to find six magical Signs made of wood, bronze, iron, water, fire, and stone. These Signs are the only things that can aid the Light in the final battle. But the Dark is already hunting him, dispatching a terrifying Rider cloaked in black on a midnight stallion. Will must gather his courage and find the Signs before the Dark begins its dreadful rise in this epic, award winning fantasy adventure.
9-12 Years
304 Pages
N/A
/5
For young Nat Field, the world of the theater is the only place where he can escape the sadness of his past. As an orphan, acting gives him a sense of purpose. So when he is chosen to join an American drama troupe traveling to London to perform A Midsummer Night's Dream in a brand new replica of the famous Globe theater, he is absolutely thrilled. But shortly after arriving in England, Nat falls ill and goes to bed. When he wakes up, he realizes he has been mysteriously transported four hundred years back in time to the year 1599! Thrust into the bustling, vibrant world of an original Elizabethan theatrical production, Nat finds himself working alongside none other than William Shakespeare himself. In the legendary playwright, Nat finally finds the warm father figure he has been longing for. But as his time in the past goes on, Nat faces a heartbreaking choice: remain trapped in history forever, or give up the friendship he needs most to return to his own time.
9-12 Years
192 Pages
N/A
/5
High up on the mountains above his father's farm, young Huw loves to play beautiful music on his harp. What he does not know is that the magic people of Wales, the Tylwyth Teg, are listening closely from deep within the waters of the Bearded Lake. To reward the boy for his wonderful songs, the magic people send a magnificent silver cow up from the lake to join his father's herd of black cattle. The magical silver cow brings great fortune to the farm, quickly making Huw's father a very rich man. But instead of being thankful, the farmer becomes greedy and demands even more. Soon, the Tylwyth Teg decide they have had enough of his selfishness and rise up to take their magical revenge. This timeless retelling of an ancient Welsh folktale is a beautifully crafted story about the true cost of greed and the wondrous magic hidden in the world around us.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
N/A
/5
The Dark Is Rising Sequence
The Grey King
By:
Susan Cooper
With the final, epic battle between the Light and the Dark rapidly approaching, Will Stanton must set out on a desperate quest to call for aid. Hidden deep within the brooding Welsh hills is a magical golden harp. Will must find it and use its music to wake the Sleepers, six noble riders who have slumbered beneath the earth for centuries. But a severe illness has robbed Will of almost all his memories and knowledge of the Old Ones. Left with nothing but a broken riddle to guide him, he must travel blindly through the treacherous landscape. As he navigates the hills, his journey brings him face to face with the most powerful Lord of the Dark: the terrifying Grey King. The King holds both the harp and the Sleepers captive within his lands, and no force has ever been strong enough to tear them from his grasp. Will must find a way to outsmart the Grey King before the world falls to darkness.
9-12 Years
165 Pages
N/A
/5
The Boggart
The Boggart Fights Back
By:
Susan Cooper
Magic is in the air when twins Allie and Jay Cameron travel to Scotland to visit their ancestors' ancient Castle Keep, tucked away on an unspoiled loch. The twins are thrilled to wake the mischievous, shape shifting Boggart and his infamous cousin, Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster! But their summer of fun loving trickery is suddenly invaded by a ruthless real estate developer named William Trout. Trout has big plans to bulldoze the area and build a massive luxury resort, showing zero regard for the locals, the law, or the beautiful seals that call the loch home. As the bulldozers roll in, Allie, Jay, and their grandfather mobilize to save the land. But they quickly realize they need a different kind of help. In a hilarious race against time, the Boggart recruits terrifying creatures of the Wild Magic, including the Blue Men of the Minch. Mr. Trout is in for a wild ride as the magical Old Things of Scotland fight back to protect their home!
9-12 Years
240 Pages
N/A
/5
Long Pond Cay in the Bahamas is a magical island with white sand and clear water, and twelve year old Trey and his silent seven year old brother Lou love exploring its peaceful shores. But one day, the island magic turns into a nightmare. The brothers are suddenly pulled into another world called Pangaia, a strident, polluted, and overcrowded land. Here, little Lou is no longer seen as a quiet boy. Instead, the people hail him as the mythic hero Lugh, born to bring terrible destruction and ultimate renewal to their ruined planet. Carried between two worlds in an adventure full of mounting tension and danger, Trey and Lou must risk everything. They are tasked with saving this strange alien world while also warding off a parallel threat to their beloved Long Pond Cay back home. The forces of myth and nature explode together in an amazing climax that will test the brothers' courage. This deeply moving fantasy explores the powerful bond between siblings and offers a haunting vision of a spoiled world that needs healing.
9-12 Years
195 Pages
N/A
/5
On a bitter winter day, Little Hawk is sent into the woods alone. He carries only a bow and arrows, his handcrafted tomahawk, and an amazing metal knife his father traded for with the new white settlers. If Little Hawk survives three moons by himself, he will return to his village as a man. Meanwhile, John Wakely is only ten years old when his father dies. John has experienced the warmth and friendship of the nearby tribes, but his fellow colonists are not as accepting of the native people. When John is apprenticed to a barrel maker, he sees how quickly the relationships between the settlers and the natives are falling apart. Despite the growing tension, John forms a deep bond with Little Hawk, a friendship that will put both boys in grave danger. Even when tragedy strikes and Little Hawk's life is cut violently short, his spirit remains trapped, watching how his world changes forever. This fascinating tale of friendship offers an eye opening look at the early history of America and the tragic collisions of two different worlds.
9-12 Years
336 Pages
N/A
/5
By:
Susan Cooper
West and Cally come from completely different countries thousands of miles apart and speak entirely different languages. They have never met and have nothing in common, until a sudden, devastating catastrophe wrenches them both out of reality. Stripped of the lives they once knew, the two strangers find themselves dropped into a strange and perilous new world. With danger lurking at every turn, West and Cally must learn to understand each other and work together if they want to survive. Their only hope is to embark on a grueling journey toward the distant sea, facing mysterious forces and impossible landscapes along the way. As they navigate this hauntingly beautiful and terrifying realm, they discover hidden strengths and a powerful bond that transcends language. This gripping fantasy adventure pulls you into a breathtaking quest about resilience, trust, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward when your entire world has been turned upside down.
9-12 Years
167 Pages
N/A
/5
The Dark Is Rising Sequence
Over Sea, Under Stone
By:
Susan Cooper
While on holiday in the rugged coastal town of Cornwall, the three Drew children stumble upon something incredible. Hidden away in the dusty attic of the old house they are staying in, Simon, Jane, and Barney discover an ancient, mysterious map. They know immediately that this is no ordinary piece of parchment. It is the key to finding a legendary grail, a powerful artifact tied to the true story of King Arthur. But the children are not the only ones looking for the grail. The map holds a source of power desperately needed to fight the terrifying forces of evil known as the Dark. By choosing to search for the grail themselves, the Drew siblings put their very lives in extreme peril. They must decode ancient clues and outsmart sinister enemies who will stop at nothing to claim the prize. Dive into the thrilling first adventure of The Dark Is Rising sequence, where ordinary children are swept into an extraordinary battle between light and darkness.
9-12 Years
252 Pages
N/A
/5
Matthew is all ready to go to bed, but something strange catches his eye. A mysterious green glow is coming from the pages of his favorite book about dragons! When he opens the cover to investigate, the dragon on the very last page looks right up at him and grins. Since neither Matthew nor the dragon is quite ready to go to sleep, the tiny creature steps right out of the book and comes to life. Together, they take off on an amazing, magical adventure through the night sky. Soaring high above the sleeping world, Matthew and his new scaly friend share a spectacular nocturnal ride. This delightful story celebrates the boundless power of imagination and the wonderful magic that happens when your favorite books truly come alive.
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
The Dark Is Rising Sequence
Silver on the Tree
By:
Susan Cooper
The Dark is rising in its last and greatest bid to take control of the world. Will Stanton, the last born of the immortal Old Ones, is dedicated to keeping the world free from evil. Now, he must join forces with his ageless master Merriman and Bran, a mysterious Welsh boy whose destiny is deeply tied to the Light. Drawn into this epic conflict are the three mortal Drew children, who have their own vital part to play in the unfolding story. Together, these six heroes must fight fear and death in the darkly brooding Welsh hills. Their desperate quest will take them through time and space, touching the most ancient myths of the British Isles. As the servants of the Light gather for one final, breathtaking battle, they must risk everything to save humanity. Discover the thrilling and deeply satisfying conclusion to the masterful Dark Is Rising sequence, where courage and magic face their ultimate test.
9-12 Years
288 Pages
N/A
/5
The Boggart
The Boggart and the Monster
By:
Susan Cooper
Two years after their first magical encounter, Emily Volnik and her younger brother Jessup return to Scotland to visit the ancient Castle Keep. To their absolute delight, the Boggart is still there! This mischievous, shape shifting spirit has lived in the castle for centuries, and he is busy playing hilarious tricks on the castle's new owner, Mr. Maconochie. At Jessup's urging, Mr. Mac takes the kids on a camping trip to Loch Ness, where a high tech expedition is searching for the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Naturally, the invisible Boggart tags along for the ride. On their very first night, the Boggart is thrilled to discover that Nessie is actually his long lost cousin! But Nessie has forgotten how to change shape and is stuck in his prehistoric monster form. Now, the Boggart and the kids must team up to help save Nessie from the snooping scientists. Filled with suspense, humor, and unforgettable magic, this brilliant adventure is a joy to read.
9-12 Years
192 Pages
N/A
/5
The Dark Is Rising Sequence
Greenwitch
By:
Susan Cooper
Simon, Jane, and Barney have been enlisted by their mysterious great uncle for a vital mission. They arrive in a small coastal town to recover a priceless golden grail that was stolen by the terrifying forces of the Dark. But the siblings are not alone in their quest. They are joined by Will Stanton, a strange boy with incredible hidden powers of his own. As the children search for the missing grail, they uncover the sinister significance of the Greenwitch, a massive image made of leaves and branches that the townsfolk cast into the sea for good luck. Their dangerous investigation sets into motion a series of disturbing and thrilling events. To succeed, they must unlock the secrets of the Greenwitch and face the rising evil that threatens to consume their world. Dive into the third spellbinding chapter of The Dark Is Rising sequence, where ancient magic and bravery collide in a race against time.
9-12 Years
180 Pages
N/A
/5
The Boy has a very special job: he works for a Magician. He polishes the magic wands and catches the rabbits pulled out of hats, but his absolute favorite task is operating the puppets for the famous play of Saint George and the Dragon. Then, one terrible day right in the middle of a performance, the Boy realizes the Saint George puppet is missing! The Magician is furious, points a long magical finger at the Boy, and poof! The Boy is suddenly transported to the strange Land of Story. To get home, he must find Saint George, but the Land of Story is packed with oddly familiar faces. Along his journey, he helps the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, ruins the wolf's sneaky plan to eat Little Red Riding Hood, and narrowly escapes the Giant at the top of Jack's beanstalk. But his final adventure will be the most amazing of all, changing his life forever. Step into a delightful, magical world where your favorite fairy tales come to life in unexpected ways.
9-12 Years
100 Pages
N/A
/5
The Boggart
The Boggart
For centuries, a mischievous, invisible spirit known as a boggart has lived peacefully in a remote, crumbling castle on a Scottish island. He spends his days playing harmless practical jokes and enjoying the quiet life. But when twelve year old Emily and her family inherit the castle and come for a visit, everything changes. Without realizing it, Emily accidentally packs the ancient trickster into her luggage and brings him all the way home to the bustling city of Toronto! Suddenly, this old world spirit is dropped right into the middle of modern city life. When the boggart encounters high tech gadgets, electricity, and city traffic for the very first time, he creates chaos on an absolutely grand scale. From exploding appliances to wild, invisible pranks, the Volnik family's home is turned completely upside down. A big, noisy city is certainly no place for a Scottish boggart, and Emily must figure out how to handle her magical new houseguest before he destroys the neighborhood!
9-12 Years
182 Pages
N/A
/5
Pirate Captain Rottingbones and his crew are incredibly hungry, but these pirates do not want an ordinary breakfast. They need nice, fresh words! And where is the best place to get them? By stealing them straight off the pages of the world's greatest books. The ravenous band of pirates gobbles up stories left and right, leaving blank pages in their wake. But when Captain Rottingbones and his cronies go after the Word Wizard, they have finally gone too far. They want to steal the extra delicious words from her extra juicy stories, but the Word Wizard and the children she reads to are already on the case. The Word Wizard knows that words are precious things that belong in stories, and she is armed with a weapon far stronger than any pirate sword: a mighty pen. Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure that celebrates the incredible power of reading, creativity, and the magic of a wonderfully told story.
9-12 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Living just outside of London during World War II, Derek and his friends view the ongoing war as a grand adventure. They spend their days exploring fresh bomb craters, collecting pieces of shrapnel, and trying to identify the fighter planes roaring overhead. When a bomb hits dangerously close to their school and classes are cancelled, the boys are overjoyed to have a free day to build their secret camp in the woods. But their carefree fun is shattered when a tough neighboring gang sabotages their hard work. Seeking vengeance, Derek and his friends engage in a violent clash with their rivals. However, the petty feud is quickly overshadowed by a long, terrifying night of close range bombing. As the true horror of the air raids becomes impossible to ignore, Derek's feelings about the war change forever. This memorable and sensitive story captures a young boy's gradual awakening to the harsh, frightening realities of the adult world.
9-12 Years
157 Pages
N/A
/5
As the sun sets on the shortest day of the year, the long night begins. Long ago, early people gathered together to prepare for the darkness. They built warm fires, lit glowing candles, and played music to bring their own light to the shadows. They wondered if the sun would ever rise again, holding onto hope and tradition. This beautiful celebration of the winter solstice captures the magic behind the returning of the light. It explores the deep yearning for traditions that connect us with generations of the past, and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. With rich, striking illustrations that span centuries of human history, this poetic journey evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life. Welcome Yule, and celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
33 Pages
N/A
/5
Everybody in Little Joe's family knows how to swim, except for him. While his family plays and splashes in the swimming pool, Joe just sits on the edge and watches them. But everything changes when Joe spots a lost little frog hopping across the garden. The tiny creature jumps right into the water, and suddenly Joe's family starts splashing, shouting, and screaming as they try to catch the frightened frog. Amidst all the chaos, it is quiet Little Joe who gently lifts the frog to safety and sets him free. Watching the brave little frog gives Joe a brand new feeling. A tender story about kindness and friendship, this gentle tale shows how helping a small creature can give you the courage you need to finally climb into the pool and try something new.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
