Suzanne Crowley facts for kids

Suzanne Carlisle Crowley (born November 19, 1963) is an American author who writes exciting books for young people, usually between the ages of 12 and 15. She is famous for her novels The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous and The Stolen One.

Her first book, The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous, was a big hit. It was named an IRA Notable Children's Book. It was also chosen as a top pick by Book Sense in 2007. Her second novel, The Stolen One, was also very popular. It was an Indie Next List Pick and nominated as one of the Best Books for Young Adults.

Suzanne Crowley's Early Life and Education

Suzanne Carlisle Crowley was born in a small town called Uvalde, Texas. She grew up in other Texas cities like Austin and Houston. Her dad, Acree Carlisle, designed buildings as an architect. Her mom, Corinne Orr, was a teacher and took care of their home. Suzanne has two sisters, Bonnie and Karen.

She went to Stratford High School in Houston. After high school, she studied at the University of Texas at Austin. In 1986, she earned a degree in journalism, which is about writing for newspapers and magazines. She also studied English.

Suzanne Crowley's Career as an Author and Artist

Suzanne Crowley started her writing journey at Austin Homes and Gardens magazine. She wrote articles and answered phones there. A special person who inspired her was her grandmother, Edith Carlisle. Her grandmother had a blue willow ginger jar filled with tiny treasures just for Suzanne. These little items made Suzanne love small, delicate things.

When she was in high school, Suzanne found shops that sold doll house supplies. She took classes and began making her own miniature rooms inside boxes. Today, she is a talented miniature artist. Her tiny artworks have even been featured on the covers of magazines around the world.

Hobbies and Miniature Art Business

Suzanne has many interesting hobbies. She loves making tiny sculptures and dollhouses. She also enjoys collecting art, playing the piano, and going shopping. Learning about history, reading books, and traveling are also some of her favorite things to do.

Her passion for miniatures and dollhouses grew into a business called Crowley Interiors. Through this business, she creates and sells her sculpted miniatures and room boxes at shows across the country. Besides her novels, Suzanne Crowley has also written a small book about the history of paisley fabrics.

Her Novels: Stories for Young Readers

Suzanne Crowley has written two main novels for young people.

The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous

Her first published novel, The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous, tells the story of a thirteen-year-old girl named Merilee. Merilee lives in a small town in west Texas. She has a very special way of seeing the world. Merilee depends on her "very ordered existence," which means she follows a strict schedule every day. This helps her feel safe and in control.

But Merilee's organized life gets a big challenge when a new boy, Biswick, moves to town. Biswick is also dealing with his own problems. The story explores how Merilee handles these changes and new friendships.

The Stolen One

The Stolen One is Suzanne Crowley's second book. It is a historical fiction novel, which means it tells a made-up story set in a real time in the past. This book takes place in Elizabethan England, during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.

The story is about a 16-year-old girl named Kat. She grew up with her foster mother in simple surroundings. After her foster mother passes away, Kat travels to London to find out who her real parents are. In London, Queen Elizabeth I herself takes Kat under her care. Soon, Kat starts to hear whispers that the Queen might actually be her true mother!

Throughout the book, readers get to see Kat's personal journal entries. These entries let us peek into her thoughts, feelings, and deepest secrets. As Kat tries to solve the mystery of her identity, she also has to figure out her feelings. She is torn between the handsome boys at court and the farmer boy she left back home.

Awards and Recognitions

Suzanne Crowley's books have received several awards and honors:

• The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous:
  • Book Sense Pick, 2007
  • IRA Notable Children’s Book, 2008
  • Georgia Children's Book Award Nominee, 2009
  • Texas State Reading Association Children's Literature Honor Book, 2008
  • Bank Street Children's Books of the Year, 2008
  • KLIATT: Best of the Year Editor's Choice, 2008
  • Writer's League of Texas Teddy Children's Book Award Finalist, 2008
• The Stolen One:
  • Indie Next List Pick, 2009
  • Best Books for Young Adults Nominee, 2009

Suzanne Crowley's Published Novels

• The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous
• The Stolen One