Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Books In Order

Publication Order of War Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Picture Books

Publication Order of Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 1 Books

Publication Order of Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2 Books

Publication Order of She Persisted Books

Writing both children’s fiction and historical literature, the American author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is well known for her unique and idiosyncratic style of prose, as she has a gifted take upon the formula, and one in which she is able to conjure up rich and vibrant visuals, ones from other places and other times, that allow the reader to feel as if they are really there immersed in the narrative. Her characters are also down to earth as she has a unique insight into what makes people tick, as well as understanding clearly how they interact with one another in a realistic style.

This, therefore, has managed to attract readers from all across the world, as they’ve turned to her work to be both informed and entertained in equal measure, as it provides a window into the past. Known for her keen sense of accuracy, she is also very highly regarded for her extremely well researched period based novels, that manage to really capture an idea of the time and the setting they’re attempting to portray. Taking the reader on a journey they manage to pull the reader in and give them a sense of what it was like to live in that time, along with the troubles and challenges that they may have faced then. Not only that, but she is also able to write for a younger audience as well, capturing their imagination and allowing them to gain a sense of wonder through her words and stories that are both engaging and compelling.

Citing a number of influences such as Laura Ingalls Wilder, Noel Streatfield and Lois Lenski, it’s clear that they live on through her work, as she follows in the footsteps of the greats. Giving a sense of the great outdoors too, it’s clear to see why she is becoming a firm fixture on the shelves of many, having reached a level of success unlike any other, With fans all across the world she has managed to attract the attention of both the critics and the general public alike, as she is respected both nationally as well as internationally too. It is also her personality that shines through too, as she manages to provide a sense of warmth and familiarity through both her series and her characters. These are aspects of her novels that have come to be appreciated globally, as her themes and ideas are universal, offering something that is timeless and classic.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1967 in Fort Wayne in Indiana, in the United States, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley was to always harbor a strong passion for the written word, ever since she was a child. This would progress throughout the years, as she would continually come back to it, constantly building on it time and time again, formulating both her form and what what she wanted to say. Attending Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, she graduated with a degree in chemistry, something which would also give her an academic background, all whilst continuing to write.

All throughout college she would work on equestrian magazines whilst there as a freelance writer, something that she would take a lot from. This was also backed up by her time working as a part-time editor, all of which allowed her to get an insight into the process of writing for an audience. Later marrying her husband, Bart Bradley whom she had known since high-school, they both now live together in the Appalachian Mountains on their 52-acre farm, along with their many pets and animals, as she is always on the lookout for her next big idea, all whilst continuing to write full-time.

Writing Career

Publishing the novel ‘Ruthies Gift’ in 1998, she made her arrival onto the literary scene through the Delacorte publishing label to much acclaim. Winning the ‘Flying Start’ award for her effort, she quickly found herself placed upon six state awards lists, setting her up for a highly successful writing career. With series such as her ‘War’ franchise, she would also take a look into the past, and provide a sense of perspective on an otherwise unseen world and time.

Taking an ‘Introduction to Children’s Literature’ class whilst in college at the bequest of her roommate there, she found herself on the path to become a fully fledged author. This then saw her undertaking a lot more freelance writing on a regular basis. With a lot more set to come as well, she doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon either.

The Lacemaker and the Princess

Initially brought out in 2007 on the 22nd of May, this was first brought out through the ‘Margaret K. McElderry’ publishing label to much acclaim. Working as a standalone it wasn’t to be part of any series, but it did follow in the same vein as many of her other series, with its period based setting. Introducing fun and engaging characters, it carries the reader along at a brisk pace, whilst also keeping them informed about the intricacies of French high-society around the time of the revolution.

Living in the town of Versailles, the young eleven year-old Isabelle is almost trampled to death one day after attempting to deliver lace to the palace. It is then that she is saved from this crowd of courtiers by none other than Marie Antoinette, as she is then taken into the world of high-society, as she is taken under the wing of Marie as her companion. That’s when the French Revolution begins to take place, and she is then left with a decision to make, as she finds her loyalties between luxury and class fully tested. Will she succumb to the pleasures of high-society? Can she overcome the class conflict? What will happen to the lacemaker and the princess?

The War I Finally Won

Originally brought out on 3rd of October in 2017, this was the second in the ongoing ‘The War That Saved My Life’ series. Released through the ‘Dial Books’ publishing house this time, it follows on directly from the first. Working as a period piece, it provides an insight into America’s past that is not usually seen.

Having had her clubfoot fixed finally, Ada has now proven herself not to be ‘deranged’ as her mother initially said she was. With her and her brother, Jamie, living with their far more loving legal guardian Lady Thornton, they seem to be a lot happier. That’s when new tenants move in and the moral complexities of war seem to be painted in shades of gray. Who is Ada now, if not the daughter of her mother? Will they find themselves in the War? What will become of Ada as she asks ‘who am I in the war I finally won’?

One Response to “Kimberly Brubaker Bradley”

1. Joyce Heinen: 2 years ago

   Will there be a 3rd book in the War books? I loved the books, The War that saved My Life and The War I Finally Won.

   Reply