Carolyn Johnson
Original stories for discerning families
For 8-12 year old readers who want original and compelling stories. For their parents who want peace of mind knowing they’re reading novels with a Christian worldview.You’re looking for well-written novels your children will love that espouse your values. But the Christian publishing industry seems to be dominated by only a few genres like high fantasy and historical adventures. Faced with limited selection you’re worried your children will stop reading, or will choose books that promote worldly values.Carolyn Johnson is a middle school teacher of language and literature who knows the challenges of finding excellent novels for this age group who can sometimes start to lose interest in reading. Like you, she wants tweens to keep reading and to love great books.Her first novel is available to order from all major booksellers and your independent bookstore.Not yet ready to buy? Subscribe to the newsletter and read an excerpt of Adam and the Witch Queen and As Tall As the Sun Is Bright.Imagine your child going from bored of cliché books to an enthusiastic reader of original stories!
A 10-year old engrossed in Adam and the Witch Queen
About Carolyn
Carolyn teaches literature and language at a francophone middle school in Toronto. In fact, the inspiration for Adam and the Witch Queen came from a Grade 7 literature project.Carolyn is a Friend of the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Storytellers.Carolyn and her husband, Jeremy, have a cat named Mr. Wolf and a young adult son.
Adam And The Witch Queen
Ever since his dad went missing two years ago, Adam just can't seem to concentrate in school.He spends most of his time making paper airplanes instead. When one of the planes starts a fire in the cafeteria, Adam gets suspended. At home, his frustrated mother loads him with chores. But while getting out the lawn mower, he discovers a mysterious trap door in the floor of the shed. To his amazement, it leads to a strange city, where he soon finds himself in trouble...again.This time, he's in good company - he gets snatched from danger by a group of rebels. Their goal? Take down the Witch Queen. Adam's goal? Get home. Unfortunately, it looks like he'll have to help the rebels before they can help him.
Kids' Q & A
Click on the question to find out the answer!
Where were you born? Where do you live?
I was born in Toronto, Canada, and I that's where I live. However, I spent three years living near Paris, France, where I learned French, and six years in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where my son was born.
What made you decide to become a writer?
I love to read, and I love good writing, so I thought, “Maybe I could do this, too.” I come up with ideas for stories and I just have to get them out on paper and into the world, even though it’s a lot of hard work.
Did you draw the cover?
No, I can barely draw a stick figure. The cover was created by Rob Ball, an amazing artist who lives in London, England. If you look closely at his hand-lettered title, you can find Adam’s paper airplane and the Witch Queen’s hat pin.
What other jobs have you had?
French teacher, ESL teacher, swim instructor, lifeguard, seamstress, shop clerk, Sunday school director.
What were your favorite books growing up?
The book that made me laugh the hardest when I was your age was I Want To Go Home by Gordon Korman, about a boy who tries to escape from his summer camp. A book that made me love good writing was The Singing Tree by Kate Seredy, about two cousins who have to manage the ranch when the men go off to fight in the Great War. I also loved all kinds of mysteries, from Trixie Belden to the sleuths of Geoffrey Trease in Shakespearean England.
Where do you get inspiration for a novel?
It’s different every time. But often, I go back to the very oldest stories of Western civilization and I ask, what would it look like if we were telling that story today for the first time? For instance, Queen Belya in Adam and the Witch Queen is a “type” of witch you find in many old tales out of Eastern Europe, called Baba Yaga. Her house is made of old bones and skulls and she tries to capture children and eat them.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to make things— whether it’s a gourmet meal or a pair of socks. Recently, I got my motorcycle license, so I’ve been taking rides on our Vespa or our Kawasaki Vulcan cruiser.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing a third novel where Adam discovers an underground cave in Mr. Colombo’s yard. He persuades Rosalyn, his new neighbour, to check it out and soon they realize that the way back is blocked. How will they get home? How will they ever learn to get along with each other? Subscribe to the newsletter for updates.
Do you have a family?
I am married to Jeremy and we have a young adult son, Miles. And a cat—Mr. Wolf.
What’s your favourite book?
You might be surprised by my answer. It’s the Bible, because it’s full of thrilling stories, beautiful poetry and great advice for life. I read it every day and never grow tired of it.Some of my favourite books for young people are L.M. Montgomery’s Anne books, and Erich Kästner’s Emil and the Detectives and Lottie and Lisa. The first grown-up book I read and loved was Chaim Potok’s The Chosen. I'd better stop there. I’m looking at my bookshelf and seeing hundreds more stories I love!
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