Caroline Snedeker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caroline Snedeker
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| Born | Caroline Dale Parke March 3, 1871 New Harmony, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | January 22, 1956 Bay St. Louis, Mississippi |
| Pen name | Caroline Dale Owen |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Nationality | American |
| Period | 1911–1956 |
| Genre | Children's historical fiction |
| Notable works | Downright Dencey |
Caroline Dale Snedeker (born March 3, 1871 – died January 22, 1956) was an American author. She mostly wrote exciting historical novels for young readers. Two of her books, Downright Dencey and The Forgotten Daughter, were almost chosen for the famous Newbery Medal. Sometimes, she wrote under the name Caroline Dale Owen.
Contents
About Caroline Snedeker's Life
Caroline Dale Parke was born on March 23, 1871. Her hometown was New Harmony, Indiana. Her parents were Nina Dale (Owen) and Charles Augustus Parke. Her father was a banker.
Caroline grew up near Mount Vernon, Indiana. She had three sisters and one brother. Later, her family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. There, she went to the College of Music.
Caroline and her sisters played music together. They performed concerts to help their family. This was after their father passed away in 1902. Caroline played the piano and later taught music.
In 1903, she married Charles Henry Snedeker. They moved to Hempstead, New York. Later, she moved to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Caroline Snedeker passed away on January 22, 1956, when she was 84 years old.
Caroline Snedeker's Writing Career
Caroline Snedeker wrote many books. She wrote about 12 or 13 novels for older kids and teens. She also wrote a few books for adults. Most of her novels were inspired by ancient times. They are often set in Greece or the Roman Empire. She also wrote stories about American history.
Stories from Ancient Times
Snedeker's first book was The Coward of Thermopylae. It came out in 1911 for adults. In 1912, it was re-released for young adults. Its new title was The Spartan. This novel is about an Athenian soldier named Aristodemos. He trains to fight in Thermopylae. At first, people thought he was a coward. But he proved himself with a brave death.
People loved these stories so much. They asked for a version for children. So, in 1924, Snedeker published Theras and His Town. This book is about an eleven-year-old boy named Theras. He moves from Athens to Sparta. Life in Sparta is very strict. Theras tries to escape back to Athens.
Another famous book is The Forgotten Daughter (1933). This story takes place in Ancient Rome. It was honored as a Newbery Honor Book.
Novels About American History
Caroline Snedeker also wrote novels based on American history. Her most famous one is Downright Dencey. This book was a Newbery Honor Book in 1928. It tells the story of a friendship. A Quaker girl becomes friends with a lonely child. This happens in Nantucket in the early 1800s.
The story continues in The Beckoning Road (1929). In this book, Dencey's family moves to New Harmony.
Other Works and Success
Snedeker also wrote some successful romance novels. Because her books were popular, some were translated. You can find her stories in Dutch and German.
What Inspired Caroline Snedeker
Caroline Snedeker's mother and grandmother greatly influenced her. She grew up listening to her mother sing. Her grandmother told her many stories about New Harmony. These stories made Caroline interested in history, writing, and music.
Because she was so close to her mother and grandmother, Snedeker wrote Town of the Fearless (1931). This book tells the history of her family. It also shares their connection to New Harmony.
Themes in Her Books
Caroline Snedeker's novels often explore themes of bravery and good values. She loved history, literature, and classical music. You can see these interests throughout all her works.
List of Caroline Snedeker's Books
Novels
- The Coward of Thermopylae (1911)
- The Spartan (1912) – This was a new edition of The Coward of Thermopylae.
- Seth Way: A Romance of the New Harmony Community (1917) – She wrote this as Caroline Dale Owen.
- The Perilous Seat (1923)
- Theras and His Town (1924)
- Downright Dencey (1927)
- The Beckoning Road (1929) – This is a follow-up to Downright Dencey.
- The Black Arrowhead: Legends of Long Island (1929)
- The Forgotten Daughter (1933)
- Uncharted Ways (1935) – This book was inspired by the story of Mary Dyer.
- The White Isle (1940)
- Luke's Quest (1947)
- A Triumph for Flavius (1955)
- Lysis Goes to the Play (1962) – Published after her death.
Nonfiction Books
Caroline Snedeker wrote two nonfiction books about New Harmony, Indiana.
- The Town of the Fearless (1931) – This book includes pictures and a bibliography.
- The Diaries of Donald MacDonald, 1824–1826 – Snedeker edited and introduced these diaries.
Two of her novels also feature New Harmony: Seth Way and The Beckoning Road.
