Sarah Kilborne writing

Books

Sarah has written books for both children and adults, fiction and non-fiction, essays, short stories, poetry and works-in-translation. Her work has been featured on The Today Show, on Book TV, in The Washington Post, in the Los Angeles Times, on the Huffington Post, and more. She has also been a fellow at the Five College Women's Studies Research Center at Mount Holyoke College. At the moment she primarily writes nonfiction for adults, specializing in American and LGBTQ history and current events.

  • American Phoenix: The Remarkable Story of William Skinner, A Man Who Turned Disaster Into Destiny

    The remarkable story of nineteenth-century manufacturer William Skinner, a leading founder of the American silk industry and American fashion, who lost everything in a devastating flood — and his improbable, inspiring comeback to the pinnacle of American fashion.

    “Perfect for readers who like to root for the underdog.” - Kirkus Reviews

    To watch Sarah discuss American Phoenix, click here.

    Buy on Amazon

  • Peach & Blue

    He is a big, blue-bellied toad hopping aimlessly through life. She’s a peach, yearning for escape and adventure. And after they meet one summer afternoon, neither will ever be the same. Here is a lush and tender story about how love can change the way we see the world.

    "This old-fashioned tale of friendship radiates warmth and authenticity. In every respect, this is a standout title." —Booklist

    Peach & Blue was the 2001 Book of the Year by the State of South Carolina Science Teacher's Association. It was also featured on The Today Show and listed an all-time favorite love story in The Washington Post.

    Buy on Amazon

  • Leaving Vietnam: The Journey Of Tuan Ngo

    The story of a boy and his father who endure danger and difficulties when they escape by boat from Vietnam, spend days at sea, and then months in refugee camps before making their way to the United States.

    “A story of thrilling adventure and family love.” - Booklist, starred review

    Leaving Vietnam was a Junior Library Guild Selection and picked by the Los Angeles Times as a best book for children on the Vietnam War. 

    Buy on Amazon

Praise for American Phoenix

"A compelling, comprehensive biography of a man who contributed much to American manufacturing – perfect for readers who like to root for the underdog." - Kirkus Reviews

"A compelling, richly textured tale of a tragic flood, an indomitable man, and the perils and promise of silk." - Amy Butler Greenfield, author of A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire

"A book with special relevance for our own times." - Jacob Soll, MacArthur “Genius” Grant Recipient, and author of The Information Master

“An inspiring biography.”- Alan Caruba, Charter Member, National Book Critics Circle

Praise for Peach & Blue

"This old-fashioned tale of friendship radiates warmth and authenticity. In every respect, this is a standout title." - Booklist

"A romantic tale of love and friendship, set off by exquisite artwork." - Family Life

"There couldn't be a simpler, more straightforward, or more touching love story than this." - Family Fun

"For fanciers of old-fashioned children's books...romantic, lushly colored illustrations." - Publishers Weekly

Praise for Leaving Vietnam

"This true account of a refugee from Vietnam dramatizes what it was like for the boat people who left their country secretly and tried to reach the U.S...It's a story of thrilling adventure and family love." - Booklist, Starred review

"Leaving Vietnam is the best of recent books reconstructing events of the war from the perspective of its refugees. It is perfect for beginning chapter-book readers." - Los Angeles Times, April 23, 2000

"Gripping, real-life adventures, told in a childlike first-person voice will keep beginning readers interested in this Ready-to-Read chapter book." -Publishers Weekly

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