Kathryn Reiss

Kathryn Reiss is an American author primarily known for her young adult and middle-grade fiction, with a particular focus on time-travel stories and supernatural mysteries. She has written numerous books including the Time Travel Mysteries series and standalone novels that often blend historical elements with contemporary settings. As a Professor of Creative Writing at Mills College in Oakland, California, Reiss has balanced her writing career with teaching emerging authors. Her works frequently incorporate themes of family relationships, identity, and young protagonists dealing with extraordinary circumstances. Some of her most recognized titles include "Time Windows," "Paint by Magic," and "Sweet Miss Honeywell's Revenge," which have earned various state reading awards and recommendations from educational organizations. Her historical fiction work "PaperQuake: A Puzzle" won particular acclaim for its innovative approach to combining San Francisco history with modern mystery elements. Reiss's writing style is characterized by careful historical research and attention to period details, which she weaves into narratives that remain accessible to young readers. Her books have been published by major houses including Harcourt and Scholastic Press.

Readers praise Reiss's ability to blend historical details with supernatural elements in ways that captivate middle-grade audiences. The Time Windows series receives consistent mentions for its engaging mix of mystery and time travel. Positive reviews highlight: - Strong female protagonists who solve complex mysteries - Well-researched historical elements - Age-appropriate suspense without excessive scariness - Educational value while remaining entertaining Common criticisms include: - Predictable plot developments - Some unrealistic character reactions - Pacing issues in middle sections - Occasional confusion with time travel logistics Goodreads ratings average 3.8/5 across her works, with Time Windows scoring highest at 4.1/5. Amazon reviews average 4.2/5, though with fewer total ratings. One reader notes: "Perfect blend of history and mystery for young readers" while another mentions "The historical details make the story come alive." Some readers report losing interest partway through longer works like PaperQuake, but most finish the shorter novels like Paint by Magic in single sittings.

Blackthorn Winter - A teenage American girl moves to an English village and becomes involved in solving a murder mystery that has connections to her mother's past.

Time Windows - A thirteen-year-old girl discovers a dollhouse that allows her to witness disturbing scenes from her house's past inhabitants.

Paint by Magic - A modern boy is transported back to 1923 through an old painting and must find his way back to the present while uncovering family secrets.

Sweet Miss Honeywell's Revenge - A family moves into a Victorian house haunted by a malevolent ghost who was once a strict governess.

PaperQuake: A Puzzle - A teenage girl in San Francisco finds mysterious old letters that lead her to investigate historical earthquakes and prevent a modern disaster.

Dreadful Sorry - A seventeen-year-old girl experiences frightening visions connected to a drowning that occurred in Maine a century ago.

Glass House People - A young girl discovers her connection to a wealthy family's dark past through an old glass greenhouse.

Pale Phoenix - A teenage girl befriends a mysterious new student who may be a time traveler from the past.

Caroline B. Cooney writes young adult suspense that blends historical elements with contemporary settings and focuses on teenage protagonists facing extraordinary situations. Her Both Sides of Time series shares similar time-travel themes and historical detail with Reiss's work.

Mary Downing Hahn specializes in ghost stories and supernatural mysteries for middle-grade readers that incorporate historical elements. Her books feature young protagonists solving mysteries across time periods, similar to Reiss's approach to blending past and present.

Margaret Peterson Haddix creates suspenseful novels for young readers that often involve time travel and historical settings. Her Missing series and standalone novels feature detailed historical research and complex plots that appeal to readers who enjoy Reiss's mix of history and mystery.

Jane Yolen writes across multiple genres including historical fiction and fantasy for young readers with careful attention to historical accuracy. Her work combines educational elements with engaging narratives in ways that mirror Reiss's approach to making history accessible to young audiences.

Betty Ren Wright focuses on ghost stories and supernatural mysteries for middle-grade readers that often incorporate historical elements. Her books feature young protagonists dealing with mysterious circumstances and family relationships, themes that parallel Reiss's work.