Picture a storyteller who turned her childhood love for cozy library corners into heartfelt tales for kids and teens—meet Lisa Schroeder! A native Oregonian, Schroeder has penned over twenty books, blending relatable characters with enchanting stories. From the sweet sprinkle of It’s Raining Cupcakes to the poignant verse of I Heart You, You Haunt Me, her novels capture the magic and messiness of growing up, making her a beloved voice in young adult and children’s literature.
The Making of Lisa Schroeder
Born in 1967 in Salem, Oregon, Lisa Schroeder grew up with a book always in hand, cherishing summers spent camping, fishing, and diving into stories at the Salem Public Library. Her love for narrative sparked early—she even wrote and illustrated a short story, The Lion’s Valentine, as a child. After earning a Business Administration degree from Oregon State University, Schroeder worked in human resources but never lost her dream of writing. In 2003, she began writing seriously, facing rejections until her first novel, I Heart You, You Haunt Me, sold in 2007, launching her career.
Lisa Schroeder’s Unforgettable Stories
Schroeder’s books are a delightful mix of heart and hope, often exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Her young adult verse novel I Heart You, You Haunt Me follows a girl haunted by her boyfriend’s ghost, weaving grief with tender romance in poetic prose. Its companion, Chasing Brooklyn, tackles similar themes with lyrical depth. For younger readers, the It’s Raining Cupcakes trilogy serves up a sweet saga of friendship and ambition as Isabel navigates her family’s cupcake bakery dreams. The Charmed Life series adds a dash of magic, with stories of girls finding their spark. Schroeder’s signature? Relatable characters and vivid settings, often inspired by her Oregon roots, that pull readers into her world.
Her writing style shines in its accessibility—she crafts novels in verse that feel like poetry but read like page-turners, perfect for reluctant readers. Her middle-grade prose, like My Secret Guide to Paris, blends adventure with emotional heft, taking readers on journeys of self-discovery. Schroeder’s knack for balancing lighthearted plots with deeper life lessons has earned her spots on state reading lists and awards like the Oregon Book Award finalist for The Day Before.
Why Lisa Schroeder Matters
Lisa Schroeder’s impact lies in her ability to connect with young readers, offering stories that mirror their struggles and dreams. Her novels, whether in verse or prose, provide a safe space to explore big emotions—grief, love, or the courage to chase a goal. Teachers and librarians praise her work for engaging reluctant readers, while fans adore her for inspiring their own creativity, from poetry to baking. Living outside Portland with her family, Schroeder continues to write, drawing from her love of music, travel, and Oregon’s lush landscapes to craft stories that resonate across generations.
- Born: 1967, Salem, Oregon
- Key Works: I Heart You, You Haunt Me, It’s Raining Cupcakes, Chasing Brooklyn, My Secret Guide to Paris
- Awards: Oregon Book Award finalist (The Day Before), ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
- Fun Fact: Her favorite movie is The Sound of Music!
Ready to dive into a world of cupcakes and heartfelt verse? Snag It’s Raining Cupcakes or I Heart You, You Haunt Me and let Lisa Schroeder’s stories whisk you away!