Karen is a lifelong lover of story. She went from being an avid reader, to managing a library, and finally to being an award-winning novelist. Her fascination with World War Two led to her first published novel, and the discovery that she loves writing for teens. Her novels have won national and international acclaim, including winning the CLA YA Book of the Year, and twice winning the Geoffrey Bilson Historical YA Award.

 

Internationally, her books have been selected for acclaim by IBBY, the White Ravens (Germany), and the Junior Library Guild (USA). Karen loves connecting with readers, especially during school visits where she uses her love of action and adventure and stories to get young people fired up about history and reading.

 

Recently, Karen left her home province of Alberta, dragging her husband and cat to Hamilton, Ontario. She's excited to have a whole new province of stories to explore.

 

Photo by Kristen Bass

Twitter: @karenbassYA