Alison Hart, a Virginia author of over twenty mysteries and historical fiction novels for children, loves "writing books that keep young readers glued to the pages." At the age of seven she wrote, illustrated and self-published The Wild Dog, a book which she shows to young readers to make the point that it is never too early to be an author. Alison has a masters degree in Communicative Disorders from Johns Hopkins University. She taught elementary school and is currently an adjunct college instructor specializing in improving reading and writing skills.
Alison honed her craft writing Nancy Drew mysteries and quickly developed a love of strong characters who are thrown into suspenseful situations. Research is another passion for her. She loves old journals, letters and memoirs because they provide her with an amazing connection to the past. She believes that "well-researched historical fiction should bring to life the people, events and struggles of the past and make them relevant and real for today's young readers."
Her two recent historical fiction books, Gabriel's Horses and Gabriel's Triumph, are both Junior Library Guild picks. The third volume in this series, Gabriel's Journey, will be coming out in April 2008. Under the name of Alice Leonhardt she has written books for younger ages. Among these books are: Turtles; Tide Pool Creatures; Mystery at the White House; and Why the Ocean is Salty. This award winning author has written books for American Girl/Pleasant Co. Publications in addition to her other novels for grades three and up.
Selected Reviews of Alison Hart's Books
Gabriel's Horses
Alison Hart
Gabriel has the gift of working with horses like his father, a horse trainer. Both father and son work on Master Giles's Woodville Farm where they care for the thoroughbred racehorses. Gabriel aspires to be like Abe Hawkins, a jockey who was a former slave--but it is 1864 in Kentucky and the Civil War rages. Although his father is free, Gabriel and his mother are slaves; his mother is a slave working in the home of Master Giles. Since Isaac, Gabriel's father, enlists in the colored company of Union soldiers, Master Giles hires Mr. Newcastle as the Woodville Farm's new horse trainer. Mr. Newcastle's ways of handling the race horses are extremely inhumane. Gabriel strives to protect the Woodville Farm horses. Besides being torn by Mr. Newcastle's cruel treatment, Gabriel strives to protect the beloved horses from the lurking dangers of the band of ruthless Confederate raiders who steal horses from the farms to replace their nearly death-worn horses. The suspenseful story's tension, conflict, and themes provide interesting points for discussion. At the end of the story, the author includes notes about some of the historical features, along with resources for further information. This historical fiction is the first in the "Racing to Freedom Trilogy." 2007, Peachtree Publishers, $14.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
Gabriel's Triumph
Alison Hart
In this exciting second book of the “Racing to Freedom Trilogy” series, readers will follow young Gabriel’s adventures as he pursues his dream to become a famous jockey. As a freed slave, Gabriel seemingly has a bright future, but he soon finds that there is prejudice in the North just as in the South. He finds both friends and foes at the stable and in town, whether in the Confederacy or the Union. While his parents commit their time and skills to a Union army camp, Gabriel tries to make a name for himself as a jockey at Saratoga. The story is believable, the pacing gripping, the voice compelling, and the characters well developed. Gabriel himself is a sympathetic character we can all root for. In addition to enjoying an engaging story, readers will learn about horse racing as well as the plight of African Americans, both enslaved and free, during the Civil War era. In short, it is entertainment and education in one sleek package. Historical notes at the end help put the story into context. 2007, Peachtree, $14.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Kathryn Erskine (Children's Literature)
Anna's Blizzard
Alison Hart
Anna's Blizzard is an inspiring story about a young girl braving the elements to survive the Schoolchildren's Blizzard of 1888. Anna is a pioneer girl through and through. She loves helping on her family's farm, being outdoors, and riding her pony, Top Hat. So when she has to go to school, she dreads it. Her lessons are difficult and the other children her age are unkind. But one particularly long day at school, Anna becomes a hero when a spring blizzard strikes. She finds an inner strength within herself as she defends her classmates from a snake seeking shelter from the storm, cares for a small classmate who gets chilled, and helps entertain and calm her friends and East Coast teacher, who has never seen a fierce blizzard. As the storm rages outside, Anna leads her friends in games as they huddle around the stove. But when the wind rips the roof off the schoolhouse, the battle for survival begins. Anna knows they must get to safety. She gathers everyone together, ties them with rope, and trusts Top Hat to lead them all to a nearby fence line, which leads to a farm. Blinded by the snow and wind, trusting her horse, and barely able to see her friends, Anna leads the way on a blinding trek toward the farm. But will they make it in time or freeze on the prairie? Anna's Blizzard is a wonderful story about a young girl's courage in facing the worst blizzard to ever hit the middle United States. Anna's survival skills are excellent, and the author seems to hint that there is more than one way to be "properly" educated for life on a Nebraska prairie. A well-researched story, the book includes a reference section that gives facts about the terrible storm and life on the Nebraska prairie during the 1880s. Anna's Blizzard is a story both young and old are sure to enjoy. 2005, Peachtree Publishing, $12.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Caitlyn Payne (Children's Literature).
Fires of Jubilee
Alison Hart
Abby Joyner wants to be free. The Civil War has ended and she hears that slaves have been declared free. Abby is only thirteen but she wants to begin her life as a free black girl. Although her grandmother lives on the plantation and her master and mistress are caring people, Abby wants to find her mother. Abby doesn't know why her mother has never come back for her after she left when Abby was a baby. Abby doesn't even know where her mother is or if she is even alive, but she wants to find her. She wants to know what kind of a world lies beyond the plantation she has never left. Abby finds out that many secrets have been kept from her, and Abby determines she will find out the answers to her questions about her mother. Set on a post-Civil War plantation in Virginia, Abby's story is suspenseful and intriguing. This historical fiction mystery will hold a young reader's attention from beginning to end. 2003, Aladdin Paperbacks, $4.99. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer: Marcie Flinchum Atkins (Children's Literature)
Alison would love to develop a program specifically for your school or group. All presentations are interactive and designed to get kids (and adults!) excited about reading and writing. Topics have included, but are not limited to the following:
Bringing History to Life: The author's love of history shines through in all her presentations whether it's Readers Theatre, Writing Historical Fiction (ages 9 and up), Historical Fiction in the Classroom (professionals), or Take a Field Trip Back in Time (all ages).
The Case of the Missing Necklace: Mysteries are a sure-fire way to get kids engaged in reading and writing. A variety of interactive presentations are offered for young through adult mystery lovers.
Creating a Book: From Idea to Cover: The author's work is used to demonstrate how a novel is crafted from the idea to the cover. By the end of the presentation, students will realize that all writers -- from second graders to (gasp!) J.K.Rowling -- use the same process to create a story.
A Basketful of Ideas: Authors are always on the hunt for new ideas and-guess what-they're everywhere! Young (and old) writers will discover the secrets of collecting a basketful of ideas and then spicing them up with imagination for the start of a great story or essay.
Boost Those Writing Scores: For schools/teachers who are grappling with SOL's and Writing Literacy Test Scores. This is a two-day to three-day workshop (depending on number of classes and grades) involving teachers and students. Advanced planning to meet the needs of each school is necessary.
The Writing Life: Writing careers from technical writing to journalism as well as the importance of strong writing skills for all careers is explored. In addition, the reality of "the writing life" of an author is discussed. Designed for older students/adults.
The Magic of Writing: No rabbits appear, but students use their imaginations and 'five senses' to create fantastical characters, settings and plots and in the process realize that writing is truly magic!
Writing 911: Workshop for writers designed to pinpoint areas that need strengthening as well as remedies/ideas to help them on the path to publishing. Interactive and informative.
Alison will conduct up to 5 or 6 presentations in one day, with 2 to 3 classes at a time. She does NOT do auditorium-sized groups.
Costs: School presentations-$660 per day. Travel and lodging costs to be covered by the booking organization. Costs are negotiable for conferences and multiple day bookings, and for local schools and libraries.
To learn more about Alison Hart and her publications please visit www.childrensbookguild.org/hart.html.
If you would like to read more reviews, see the awards, honors, prizes and reading list entries for these and other titles, as well as reading measurement program data, lesson plans or teaching guides, please sign up for a free trial of the Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. CLCD trial