Author Profile
Kathryn Lasky
63 Books
Kathryn Lasky is an acclaimed American author of children's fiction, young adult literature, and non-fiction. She is perhaps best known for her immensely popular fantasy series Guardians of Ga'Hoole, which was adapted into a major animated film. Throughout her prolific career, Lasky has written across various genres, including historical fiction like Beyond the Burning Time and charming picture books such as Show and Tell Bunnies.
The Royal Diaries
Mary, Queen of Scots: Queen Without a Country
Kathryn Lasky
Courage
History
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/5
Wolves of the Beyond
Watch Wolf: Book 3
Kathryn Lasky
Action
Adventure
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/5
Daughters of the Sea
The Crossing: Book 4
Kathryn Lasky
Family
Fantasy
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/5
Star Split
Kathryn Lasky
Action
Adventure
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/5
The Royal Diaries
Kazunomiya: Prisoner of Heaven
Kathryn Lasky
Culture
History
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/5
The Royal Diaries
Jahanara: Princess of Princesses
Kathryn Lasky
History
Princesses
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/5
Guardians of Ga'Hoole
War of the Ember: Book 15
Kathryn Lasky
Action
Adventure
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/5
Guardians of Ga'Hoole
The Journey: Book 2
Kathryn Lasky
Adventure
Animals
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/5
Ashes
Kathryn Lasky
Courage
Family
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/5
Show and Tell Bunnies
Kathryn Lasky, Marylin Hafner
Animals
Emotions
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/5
The Royal Diaries
Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor
Kathryn Lasky, Josephine Bailey
History
Journals
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/5
John Muir
Kathryn Lasky, Stan Fellows
Biography
Environment
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/5
She's Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head!
Kathryn Lasky, DAVID CATROW
Birds
Environment
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/5
Wolves of the Beyond
Shadow Wolf: Book 2
Heather Long, Kathryn Lasky
Adventure
Animals
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/5
Vision of Beauty
Kathryn Lasky, Nneka Bennett
Biography
Diverse Voices
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/5
Guardians of Ga'Hoole
The Coming of Hoole: Book 10
Kathryn Lasky, Pamela Garelick
Action
Adventure
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/5
Spiders on the Case
Kathryn Lasky, Stephen Gilpin
Animals
Humor
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/5
The Librarian Who Measured the Earth
Kathryn Lasky, Kevin Hawkes
Biography
History
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/5
Guardians of Ga'Hoole
The Capture: Book 1
Kathryn Lasky, Pamela Garelick
Action
Adventure
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/5
Yossel's Journey
Kathryn Lasky, Johnson Yazzie
Culture
Diverse Voices
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/5
Pond Year
Kathryn Lasky, Mike Bostock
Animals
Environment
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/5
The Night Journey
Kathryn Lasky, Trina Schart Hyman
Award Winners
Family
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/5
Guardians of Ga'Hoole
To Be a King: Book 11
Kathryn Lasky, Pamela Garelick
Adventure
Animals
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/5
Travel back in time to the glittering royal courts of Europe and meet a young girl destined for greatness. At just eleven years old, Princess Mary is sent away from her rugged homeland of Scotland to live in the magnificent French court of her future father-in-law, King Henry II. Suddenly thrust into a world of elegance and strict rules, Mary spends her days attending lavish balls, hunting in royal forests, and mastering difficult subjects like Latin and fractions. She also spends time playing with Francis, the young boy who will one day become her husband. But beneath the beautiful dresses and playful games, Mary knows that a heavy responsibility is waiting for her. Soon, her childhood will end, and she will have to take on the serious and dangerous business of ruling as the Queen of France. This captivating historical fiction story brings a legendary royal figure to life, showing you the courage, intelligence, and strength it takes to wear a crown.
9-12 Years
192 Pages
N/A
/5
Faolan has fought incredibly hard to earn his place among the proud wolf clans. Born with a twisted paw and left to survive on his own in the brutal wilderness, he has proven himself to be one of the bravest and most skilled wolves in the Beyond. Just as he is about to take his honored, hard-won position as a revered Wolf of the Watch, disaster strikes the pack. A fellow watch wolf vanishes without a single trace. When Faolan is sent out into the wild to track her down, he uncovers a terrifying secret: she has been kidnapped by a fierce, unstoppable clan of bears. Now, a devastating war is brewing between the wolves and the bears, threatening to tear the wilderness apart. Faolan must use all his tracking skills and courage to rescue his friend and stop the conflict before it destroys everything he holds dear.
9-12 Years
240 Pages
N/A
/5
Dive into a breathtaking world where three sisters are bound by a secret as deep and dangerous as the ocean itself. Hannah, Lucy, and May were all born mer, but their lives have taken very different paths. Hannah is now engaged to a talented human painter, but her fiance insists she sever all ties to the sea. Torn between her heart and the ancient Laws of Salt, she faces a choice that could shatter her world. Meanwhile, Lucy has grown up entirely on land, her true identity hidden by a mother who believed girls belonged in drawing rooms, not the wild waves. Now, Lucy is succumbing to landsickness, and her secret has put her in deadly peril. It is up to her sisters to save her before she faces the executioner. After a lonely childhood, May finally found happiness, but with her family fracturing, she fears losing her sisters all over again. Sweeping you into a tide of magic, romance, and Edwardian splendor, this captivating fantasy explores the powerful bonds of sisterhood and the courage it takes to embrace who you truly are.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
195 Pages
N/A
/5
The year is 3038, and humanity has supposedly perfected itself. Genetic enhancement technology has eliminated disease, flaws, and unpredictability, creating a society that values scientific perfection above all else. Thirteen-year-old Darci has grown up accepting this flawless reality, never questioning the strict rules that govern her world.
But a shocking discovery shatters everything Darci thought she knew. She stumbles upon a hidden underground movement desperately fighting to save the human race from the very technology that claims to protect it. Suddenly thrust into a dangerous rebellion, Darci must decide where her loyalties lie. As she uncovers the dark truth behind genetic manipulation, she realizes that true humanity might just depend on the right to be imperfect. This gripping science fiction adventure challenges the boundaries of science and the true cost of perfection.
13-18 Years
212 Pages
N/A
/5
Life inside the Imperial Palace of Japan is beautiful but incredibly strict. In the year 1858, Princess Kazunomiya, the half-sister of the Emperor, finds herself surrounded by swirling rumors, political secrets, and unexpected romantic intrigue. Through her private diary entries and delicate poetry, she captures the intense and confusing world of royal life.
As powerful leaders clash and the future of her country hangs in the balance, the young princess must navigate the heavy expectations placed upon her shoulders. She is a pawn in a much larger game, yet she longs to understand her own heart and secure her own path. This captivating historical story offers a rare glimpse into a hidden world, blending rich cultural details with the personal struggles of a royal girl trying to find her voice amidst tradition and change.
9-12 Years
156 Pages
N/A
/5
Princess Jahanara lives a life of unimaginable wealth in the royal palace of India. As the daughter of a powerful emperor, she is surrounded by dazzling jewels, beautiful silks, and every luxury she could ever want. But behind the palace walls, her life is far from a fairy tale. Despite her riches, Jahanara feels like a prisoner. She is bound by strict rules, ancient traditions, and the heavy expectations placed upon royal women. She longs for the freedom to make her own choices, to explore the world outside, and to follow her own heart. Told through the secret pages of her diary, this captivating story brings the vibrant history of seventeenth-century India to life. Follow the journey of a brilliant and determined young princess as she navigates the dangerous politics of the royal court and searches for a way to claim her own independence.
9-12 Years
200 Pages
N/A
/5
Peace has finally returned to the Great Ga'Hoole Tree, bringing a much-needed rest to the weary owls. The maniacal blue owl known as the Striga has been driven away, and Nyra, the vicious leader of the Pure Ones, is nowhere to be found. For the first time in ages, the owl kingdoms are flourishing with art, learning, and joy. But this golden age of peace is about to be shattered. Deep in a long-forgotten, shadowy cave in the Northern Kingdoms, two ruthless villains have joined forces to awaken an ancient, terrifying evil. As this dark power rises to wreak havoc on the world, the Guardians must prepare for their most desperate and dangerous battle yet. In this thrilling, action-packed conclusion to the legendary series, the brave owls of Ga'Hoole will face their ultimate test of courage, loyalty, and strength to save their world from total destruction.
9-12 Years
256 Pages
N/A
/5
The brave owls of Ga'Hoole are back in their second mythic adventure. Soren, Gylfie, Twilight, and Digger have escaped a terrible evil, but their quest is only just beginning. Now, they must find the legendary Great Ga'Hoole Tree, a mythical place where an order of noble owls rises each night to perform heroic deeds. The journey across the vast and dangerous owl kingdom is long and exhausting. The four friends must rely on their courage and their bond with one another to survive the harsh wilderness. When they finally reach their destination, they discover that arriving is only the first step. To become true Guardians of Ga'Hoole, they must undergo rigorous training from the wise elders. Along the way, Soren will experience joyous reunions and heartbreaking losses as he strives to become honest, brave, true, and wise. Step into a soaring fantasy world where ordinary owls are transformed into extraordinary heroes.
9-12 Years
272 Pages
N/A
/5
By:
Kathryn Lasky
Experience the chilling reality of a changing world through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Gabriella Schramm. Growing up in Germany, Gaby finds her greatest comfort in the pages of her favorite books. But as Adolf Hitler slowly and unstoppably rises to power, the vibrant city she loves begins to transform into a place of fear and suspicion. Suddenly, the streets are filled with marching soldiers, her own sister's boyfriend raises his arm in a loyal salute to the new regime, and trusted family friends like Albert Einstein are forced to flee the country for their lives. When the government turns its anger toward literature and Gaby's beloved books come under attack, she realizes that the danger is closer than ever. She fears she may have to leave behind the stories and the life she has always cherished just to survive. This powerful and deeply moving historical fiction novel captures the heartbreak and courage of a young girl watching her world burn, offering a gripping look at the early days of a devastating era.
13-18 Years
216 Pages
N/A
/5
Do you ever get a little nervous about show and tell? That's just how Clyde the bunny feels! With only a few days left, he can't think of anything special to bring to school. He wants something really amazing, something that will make his whole class say, "Wow!"
Then, while exploring in his dark, dusty basement, Clyde makes an incredible discovery. It's a mysterious and unique object that he's sure no one else will have. Will Clyde's special find be a big hit at show and tell? Join Clyde as he overcomes his worries and shares a wonderful surprise with all his friends!
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Unlock the private thoughts of one of history's most famous royals in this captivating diary of a young princess. Long before she became the legendary Queen of England, Elizabeth Tudor was just an eleven-year-old girl trying to survive in a dangerous and unpredictable court. Through her secret diary entries, you will step right into the glamorous but terrifying world of King Henry VIII. Elizabeth writes about the thrill of celebrating lavish royal holidays, the joy of mastering her difficult studies, and the deep anxiety she feels over her father's failing health. But she also carries a heavy, unspoken sorrow as she quietly relives the tragic execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn. Surrounded by spies, shifting alliances, and family secrets, Elizabeth must learn who to trust and how to protect herself if she ever hopes to wear the crown. This gripping historical fiction novel brings the Tudor court to life, offering a fascinating and deeply personal look at the girl who would become a legendary queen.
9-12 Years
237 Pages
N/A
/5
Long before national parks existed, a young boy named John Muir found his greatest joy in the wild outdoors. Born in Scotland and raised on a hardscrabble farm in Wisconsin, John was an inventor and a dreamer. But his true calling was always the wilderness. Leaving behind the noise of cities and factories, John set out to explore the breathtaking landscapes of America. From the towering redwood forests to the majestic peaks of the Yosemite Valley, he documented the incredible beauty of nature. He soon realized that these wild places were in danger of being destroyed by logging and development. Using his powerful writing and unyielding passion, John Muir fought to protect the environment for future generations. Step into the inspiring true story of America's first great environmentalist, a man whose love for the earth helped save its most spectacular wonders.
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
High society in Boston has gone completely bird-crazy! The latest fashion trend has women wearing hats decorated with real feathers, wings, and sometimes even entire stuffed birds. Harriet Hemenway and her cousin Minna Hall think this new style is absolutely ridiculous and terribly cruel to their feathered friends.
Determined to put an end to the feathery fashion craze, these two bold women decide to take action. They start organizing tea parties, gathering their friends, and speaking out to protect the birds they love so much. Their clever and courageous efforts eventually lead to the creation of the famous Audubon Society. This delightful and beautifully illustrated story brings history to life, showing young readers how speaking up for nature can spark a massive change and save the environment.
6-8 Years
50 Pages
N/A
/5
Most lone wolves have a secret reason for leaving their packs behind. Some crave the freedom of the open road, while others are running from a past they want to forget. Mitch Jackson has loved his adventurous life traveling the country, but his carefree days are interrupted when a dangerous group of rogue wolves threatens his pack. Meanwhile, Amelia Sullivan just wants a normal life. Exhausted by the strict rules of her wolf family, she escapes to the West Coast to attend cooking school. She thinks she has finally left the wolf world behind, but she soon finds herself captured and facing a forced transformation she never wanted. When Mitch is sent on a mission to rescue Amelia, he realizes that saving her life is only the first challenge. Together, they must navigate a dangerous world of rival packs and hidden enemies. Can they find the strength to survive and protect the ones they love?
9-12 Years
322 Pages
N/A
/5
Discover the inspiring true story of Madam C. J. Walker, a woman who transformed her life and the lives of countless others. Born Sarah Breedlove to parents who had been enslaved, she faced immense hardships and poverty early in life. But Sarah possessed an unstoppable spirit and a brilliant mind. When she began losing her hair, she did not give up. Instead, she invented a revolutionary line of hair care products specifically designed for Black women. Through hard work and determination, she built a massive business empire, becoming the first female self-made millionaire in the United States. This beautifully told biography invites you to explore the incredible journey of a pioneer who used her wealth and influence to support her community, fight for civil rights, and empower women everywhere. Her vision of beauty went far beyond appearances, leaving a legacy of courage and success that still shines today.
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
Discover the thrilling origins of the owl world's greatest hero in this breathtaking prequel to the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series. The owl kingdoms are locked in a brutal war, and dark forces are hunting down the royal family. To save the newborn prince, Hoole, his mother Queen Siv makes a heartbreaking choice. She leaves her precious egg in the care of her most trusted friend, Grank, and goes into hiding. Raised in a remote forest, young Hoole has no idea that he is destined to be a king. But the evil hagsfiends are relentless, and when a terrifying creature tries to lure the young chick away, Grank realizes they are no longer safe. To protect the future of the owl kingdoms, Grank must take Hoole to the Beyond the Beyond, a harsh and unforgiving land of fiery volcanoes and freezing ice. Packed with ancient magic, fierce battles, and incredible bravery, this epic fantasy adventure reveals how a hidden prince grew up to become a legend.
9-12 Years
240 Pages
N/A
/5
Meet the Deadlies: they are sweet, polite, and just happen to be highly toxic brown recluse spiders! After being chased out of house after house by terrified humans and angry exterminators, this misunderstood family just wants a quiet place to spin their webs in peace. They think they have finally found the perfect home in the Rare Books room of the Boston Public Library. The librarian doesn't mind them, and there are countless fascinating books to explore. But their cozy new life is suddenly interrupted when a sneaky human thief starts stealing the library's most valuable treasures. Teaming up with a friendly walnut orb-weaving spider named Buster, the Deadlies decide to take matters into their own eight legs. Can these tiny, toxic heroes spin a web clever enough to catch a criminal, or will they be forced to pack up and hit the road once again?
9-12 Years
171 Pages
N/A
/5
More than two thousand years ago, a brilliant thinker named Eratosthenes asked a question that most people thought was impossible to answer. How big is the Earth? Growing up in ancient Greece, Eratosthenes was always curious about the world around him. His love of learning eventually led him to become the head librarian at the famous Library of Alexandria, the greatest collection of knowledge in the ancient world. Surrounded by countless scrolls, he used his sharp mind, a simple stick, and his understanding of shadows to calculate the exact circumference of the globe. This fascinating true story brings the ancient world to life, showing how one man combined geography, mathematics, and imagination to achieve something incredible. Discover the inspiring journey of a curious scholar who accurately mapped the world without ever leaving his home.
9-12 Years
55 Pages
N/A
/5
Enter a thrilling world of feathers, flight, and fierce battles in the very first book of the legendary Guardians of Ga'Hoole series. Soren is a young Barn Owl born in the peaceful forest kingdom of Tyto, where life is quiet and safe. But a dark evil is lurking in the shadows, threatening to shatter his world forever. When Soren is mysteriously pushed from his nest, he is captured and carried away to a dark, forbidding canyon known as St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls. Soren quickly realizes this is no orphanage, it is a prison where young owls are brainwashed and turned into soldiers. To survive, he teams up with a clever and brave elf owl named Gylfie. They know their only chance of escape is to do something they have never done before: learn to fly. Along their daring journey, they meet two other fierce owls, Twilight and Digger. Together, this unlikely band of friends must seek the truth and protect the owl world from unimaginable danger.
9-12 Years
244 Pages
N/A
/5
Jump in!
Imagine moving to a brand new place, far away from everything you know! That's what happens to Yossel when his family leaves Russia to find a new home in the American Southwest. Everything is different, and he feels a little bit shy and lonely. His family opens a store near the Navajo (Din'e) reservation, and Yossel starts to hear new words and see new faces.
Why it pulls you in:
It can be hard to make new friends, especially when you're also learning a new language! Yossel watches and listens, slowly picking up Navajo words. But will he be brave enough to say hello? You'll meet Thomas, a Navajo boy his age, and see how two children from different worlds can discover the joy of friendship and learn what it truly means to belong.
What makes it special:
This heartwarming historical picture book shows how kindness and understanding can bridge different cultures. It's a beautiful story about finding your place, making connections, and the power of friendship in an exciting new land.
9-12 Years
48 Pages
N/A
/5
Discover the hidden wonders waiting just outside your door in this beautiful celebration of nature and friendship. The local pond might be too shallow and mucky for swimming, but for two best friends, it is the perfect place for a year full of adventure. In the warm days of May, they search for frogs eggs floating like clear beads of jelly in the water. By June, they are hunting for rare wildflowers, and in July, they watch damselflies buzz over the thick, green algae. From catching crawdaddies in the muddy shallows to baking pretend mud cookies on the banks, the pond is a magical playground that changes with every passing month. When winter finally arrives, the water freezes solid, transforming their summer hideaway into a sparkling ice skating rink. This heartwarming story captures the simple, lasting joys of exploring the outdoors with someone you care about, revealing the rich and fascinating life of a pond through all four seasons.
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Thirteen-year-old Rachel is not looking forward to spending her afternoons with her great-grandmother, Nana Sashie. She expects boring visits filled with silence. But everything changes when Sashie begins to share incredible memories from her childhood in distant Russia. Rachel is instantly swept into a world she never knew existed. Through Sashie's vivid stories, the past comes roaring to life. It was a dangerous time when Jewish families faced terrible persecution, forced to serve in the Czar's army or flee from violent pogroms. Amidst this terrifying reality, a brave nine-year-old Sashie devised a brilliant and daring plan to save her family from certain doom. As the afternoon hours slip away, Rachel discovers the incredible strength of her ancestors. This beautifully told story weaves together the present and the past, showing how the courage of one young girl can echo through generations.
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
The time has come for the ultimate battle between good and evil in the owl kingdom. In this thrilling conclusion to the Legends trilogy, young Hoole must step up to reclaim his father's throne and lead his forces against the greedy warlords who threaten to destroy their world. With the help of Grank, the first collier who uses his mastery of fire and metal to forge powerful weapons, Hoole prepares for the fight of his life. But weapons alone will not be enough. To secure victory, Hoole must take a terrifying risk and use the unpredictable power of the magical Ember. When the dust of the final battle settles, a new era of peace begins to dawn. But Hoole does not want to rule as a traditional king. Instead, he sets out to establish a noble order of free owls, leading him to the discovery of the legendary Great Tree. Witness the epic origins of Ga'Hoole in this soaring adventure.
9-12 Years
224 Pages
N/A
/5
