Picture a New England bookworm who turned forgotten women’s stories into page-turning historical fiction—meet Elise Hooper! With a knack for breathing life into the past, this Seattle-based author crafts novels that blend meticulous research with heartfelt storytelling. From the artistic sister of Louisa May Alcott to trailblazing Olympians, Hooper’s work shines a spotlight on extraordinary women history overlooked.
A former teacher and tennis champion, Hooper’s journey from childhood reader to acclaimed novelist is as inspiring as her characters. Her novels, praised by the likes of Kate Quinn and Booklist, invite readers to step into the past with empathy and wonder.
The Making of Elise Hooper
Born and raised in New England, Elise Hooper was a self-proclaimed bookworm with an imagination that often whisked her to other eras. Growing up near the Alcott family museum, she was captivated by stories of the past, a passion that fueled her later work. After studying at the University of Massachusetts and earning an MA, Hooper wrote for television and online news before teaching high school literature and history. Her love for uncovering hidden stories eventually led her to writing novels, where she could give voice to unsung heroines.
Hooper’s transition to authorship wasn’t just a career shift—it was a calling. Inspired by her childhood visits to Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, she realized books don’t just appear; people create them. This revelation, paired with her research skills and love for history, set the stage for her literary career.
Elise Hooper’s Unforgettable Stories
Hooper’s novels are a love letter to overlooked women, blending historical accuracy with emotional depth. Her debut, The Other Alcott (2017), explores May Alcott, the artist sister of Louisa May Alcott, whose dreams of independence resonate with modern readers. The novel, a finalist for the Washington State Book Award, showcases Hooper’s ability to weave personal struggles with historical context.
Learning to See (2019) dives into the life of Dorothea Lange, the photographer whose Depression-era images, like Migrant Mother, defined an era. Hooper captures Lange’s resilience and sacrifices, earning praise for its vivid storytelling. Fast Girls (2020), a starred Booklist favorite, follows three women Olympians—Betty Robinson, Louise Stokes, and Helen Stephens—as they compete in the 1936 Nazi Berlin Games, tackling themes of gender and racial equality. Her latest, Angels of the Pacific (2022), honors the nurses of World War II’s Pacific theater, while The Library of Lost Dollhouses (2025) promises a whimsical tale inspired by a family heirloom.
Hooper’s style is immersive yet accessible, balancing rich historical detail with relatable characters. Her research—poring over biographies, old newspapers, and even menus—ensures authenticity, while her focus on women’s resilience and agency makes her stories timeless.
Why Elise Hooper Matters
Elise Hooper’s work does more than entertain—it reclaims the narratives of women history forgot. By spotlighting figures like May Alcott and Dorothea Lange, she invites readers to see the past through a fresh lens, connecting historical struggles to today’s conversations about equality and resilience. Her novels, celebrated in The New York Times Book Review and Real Simple, have carved a niche in historical fiction, inspiring readers to seek out the untold stories in their own lives.
As a speaker for Humanities Washington and a creative writing teacher, Hooper also champions storytelling’s power to foster empathy. Her dedication to uncovering hidden histories ensures her legacy as a storyteller who makes the past feel vividly alive.
- Born: New England
- Key Works: The Other Alcott, Learning to See, Fast Girls, Angels of the Pacific
- Awards: The Other Alcott, Washington State Book Award nominee
- Fun Fact: Hooper’s a two-time USTA National Championships tennis player!
Snag Fast Girls or Learning to See and dive into Elise Hooper’s vibrant historical fiction today!