Alden Carter facts for kids

Alden R. Carter (born April 7, 1947) is an American writer. He is mostly known for his books for young adults, which include novels, stories, and non-fiction. His works have won many awards. Six of his books were even named "Best Books" by the American Library Association. In 2002, Carter was listed among "Notable Wisconsin Authors." This means he is considered one of the best writers from Wisconsin. Besides his young adult books, Carter has written a novel about the American Civil War, called Bright Starry Banner. He has also published several non-fiction books for adults. He has given over 600 presentations at schools and conferences.

Early Life and Education

Alden R. Carter was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He discovered his talent for writing early on. He once said it was like "a flashbulb went off" in his head. Carter met his future wife, Carol Shadis, on a bridge over a river. She sometimes works with him on his books. He attended the University of Kansas. He studied English and humanities there. He was on a Navy ROTC scholarship.

After college, Carter served five years as a Navy officer. He received several awards for his service. He was honorably discharged in 1974. From 1976 to 1980, Carter taught English and journalism. He taught in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Since 1980, Carter has focused on writing full-time. He lives in Marshfield with his wife. They have two children, Brian and Siri. He has even worked with them on some projects. Brian is now an architect. Siri studies equestrianism at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls.

Writing Career Highlights

Carter's eleven novels are highly praised. People like them for their realistic stories and strong characters. His main characters often show great courage. They face challenges both from outside and within themselves. Carter once said he is impressed by the courage of young people. He believes most teens not only survive their problems but also succeed.

In 2002, Carter was named a "Notable Wisconsin Author." His novel Up Country was chosen in 1994 for a special list. It was on the ALA's "Best of the Best: the 100 Best Young Adult" books. Other novels like Sheila's Dying, Growing Season, Up Country, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Bull Catcher, and Wart, Son of Toad also won awards. They were named American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults. His Civil War novel, Bright Starry Banner, won the John Esten Cooke Fiction Award. This award is from the Military Order of the Stars & Bars.

Carter has also written twenty non-fiction books for children. These books cover many different topics. Some topics include electronics, military history, China, and Shoshoni Indians. He has also written seven popular children's picture books. These books are about children facing medical challenges. His daughter Siri helped him write I'm Tougher than Asthma. His wife, Carol, is a photographer. She took the pictures for several of his picture books. These include Stretching Ourselves: Kids with Cerebral Palsy and I'm Tougher than Diabetes.

Fiction Books

• Walkaway
• Bright Starry Banner: A Novel of the Civil War
• Wart, Son of Toad
• Sheila’s Dying
• Up Country
• Dancing on Dark Water
• Dogwolf
• Between a Rock and a Hard Place
• Bull Catcher
• Crescent Moon
• Brother’s Keeper
• Love, Football, and Other Contact Sports
• Growing Season

Non-fiction Books

• China: From the First Chinese to the Olympics
• The Sea Eagle: The Civil War Memoir Of Lt. Cdr. William B. Cushing, U.S.N. (edited by)
• The Scholar and the Tiger: A Memoir of Famine and War in Revolutionary China (with David W. Chang)
• Auschwitz Veterinarian: Five Years In The Death Camps by Tadeusz Kowalczyk
• Brother to the Eagle: The Civil War Journal of Sgt. Ambrose Armitage, 8TH Wisconsin Infantry
• The American Revolution Series: Colonies in Revolt; Darkest Hours; At the Forge of Liberty; Birth of the Republic
• Illinois
• Supercomputers
• Radio: From Marconi to the Space Age
• Modern Electronics
• The Shoshoni
• Modern China
• The Battle of Gettysburg
• Last Stand at the Alamo
• The Colonial War: Clashes in the Wilderness
• The American Revolution: War for Independence
• The War of 1812: Second Fight For Independence
• The Mexican War: Manifest Destiny
• The Civil War: American Tragedy
• The Spanish–American War: Imperial Ambitions
• China Past--China Future
• Battle of the Ironclads: The Monitor and the Merrimack

Picture Books

• Stretching Ourselves: Kids with Cerebral Palsy
• Big Brother Dustin
• Dustin’s Big School Day
• I’m Tougher than Asthma
• Seeing Things My Way
• Mama Lion's Migraine
• I'm Tougher than Diabetes