Scribbles, Sorrows, and Russet Leather Boots: The Life of Louisa May Alcott

A fresh and free-flowing character study of ‘a real-life heroine.’… A grand tale for present fans and future ones, too.—Kirkus ReviewsRosenberg’s insights into [Alcott’s] parents, her sisters, her unconventional upbringing, and the family dynamics are crucial to understanding the woman she became and the decisions she made along the way. An informative, thought-provoking biography. —BooklistEngrossing… there’s plenty of intriguing detail of a dysfunctional upbringing, of the rampant effects of mercury poisoning contracted, and of the tantalizing hints of a brief but scandalous Paris liaison.—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Liz Rosenberg is a poet, best-selling novelist, professor, and writer of acclaimed books for children, including Monster Mama, an International Reading Association Children’s Choice; The Carousel; and What James Said, among other titles. She is also the author of the biography House of Dreams: The Life of L. M. Montgomery. Her books have received numerous awards, including the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award and the Paterson Prize. Liz Rosenberg lives in Binghamton, New York, with her daughter, Lily, and their dog, Sophie.

Diana Sudyka is an artist and the illustrator of several children’s books, including the award-winning series the Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart, Sometimes Rain by Meg Fleming, When Sue Found Sue by Toni Buzzeo, and What Miss Mitchell Saw by Hayley Barrett. Diana Sudyka lives in Chicago.