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As an educator, Susan J. Austin knows the minds of young readers. Her first novel, The Bamboo Garden, is set in Berkeley, California, 1923, and describes an unlikely friendship between two girls that is tested by a fierce fire that threatens to destroy their town. Currently, she is writing about twelve-year-old Goldie, a whiz kid in the kitchen who hopes that her culinary magic can help her family's delicatessen out of a pickle in 1928 Hollywood. Her characters are always brave, strong willed risk-takers. Writing historical fiction offers her a way to educate and excite her readers about the past. She and her husband live in Northern California, surrounded by family, their splendid but fussy rose bushes, and a lifetime collection of books. Learn more at www.susanjaustin.com.
“…Austin uses extensive research, including the expertise of a
Julia Morgan scholar, to craft an inspiring origin story ideal for
young readers... Thoroughly researched and sweetly written.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Differing from many works of historical fiction that explore girls
becoming women, Drawing Outside the Lines only brushes
lightly across themes of romance or imagined homemaking. Instead,
Julia’s passion for the elegance of math and architecture takes
center stage in this highly satisfying narrative.”—Historical Novel
Society
“Austin imagines Julia Morgan’s life with authority. She
makes an important historical figure accessible to us. Drawing
Outside the Lines makes us see and feel what Morgan was up
against, which makes her spectacular work all the more
impressive.”—Gennifer Choldenko, author of Al Capone Does My
Shirts
“Susan Austin's deep research makes her imagined story of Julia
Morgan's early life and influences plausible—even more accurate
than some of the biographies out there. But Austin's passion for
the subject of this trailblazing architect makes the story fun and
inspiring.”—Karen McNeill, PhD, author of Parisian
Foundations: Julia Morgan at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts,
1896-1902
“Austin imagines Julia Morgan’s life with authority. She
makes an important historical figure accessible to
us. Drawing Outside the Lines makes us see and feel
what Morgan was up against, which makes her spectacular work all
the more impressive.” —Joan Schoettler, author
of Ruth Asawa: A Sculpting Life
“A compelling story with a wealth of evocative details offers
a memorable telling. Woven into the story are Julia Morgan's
ability, persistence, and ambition...an inspiration for any
reader.” —Margit E. McGuire, A Past President of the National
Council for the Social Studies and Professor of Education, Seattle
University
“Drawing Outside the Lines opens a window into another
time and place . . . a window into the remarkable life of Julia
Morgan who challenged gender discrimination to follow her dream of
becoming an architect. The added bonus is the rich historical
backdrop carefully researched and presented through the imagined
story of Morgan’s early life. Readers will find mirrors in Julia’s
story as she describes wanting something different—something that
doesn’t fit the norms of the time and place. This wonderful story
encourages us to take a stand and follow our dreams—it is indeed a
story for our time—one of inspiration and perseverance. A must
read!” —Sarah Gill, author of Julia Morgan’s
Berkeley City Club
“This is a simple and splendidly constructed story, history,
and inspiration at a human scale. Susan Austin expertly weaves
together fact and educated conjecture into a memorable tapestry of
the formative years of a remarkable woman.” —Steven
Finacom, Past President, Berkeley Architectural Heritage
Association
“Drawing Outside the Lines opens a window into another time
and place. The rich descriptions of life in Oakland, California in
the early 20th century presents readers with a window into the
remarkable life of Julia Morgan who challenged gender
discrimination to follow her dream of becoming an architect. The
added bonus is the rich historical backdrop carefully researched
and presented through the imagined story of Morgan’s early life.
Readers will find mirrors in Julia’s story as she describes wanting
something different—something that doesn’t fit the norms of the
time and place. This wonderful story encourages us to take a stand
and follow our dreams—it is indeed a story for our time—one of
inspiration and perseverance. A must read!” —Margit E. McGuire
PhD, Former President of National Council for the Social
Studies
“This is a simple and splendidly constructed story, history
and inspiration at a human scale. Susan Austin expertly weaves
together fact and educated conjecture into a memorable tapestry of
the formative years of a remarkable woman.” —Steven
Finacom, Past President, Berkeley Architectural Heritage
Association
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