Picture a Nashville storyteller weaving tales that blend history’s shadows with fantastical twists—meet Sharon Cameron! This Young Adult novelist has enchanted readers worldwide with her gripping historical fiction and imaginative storytelling. From the eerie Victorian estates of The Dark Unwinding to the memory-haunted city of The Forgetting, Cameron’s books are a ticket to worlds where courage and mystery collide.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Cameron’s love for stories sparked early, fueled by a passion for dusty tomes and secret passages. Her unique voice, blending meticulous historical detail with fantastical elements, has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim, making her a standout in YA literature.
The Making of Sharon Cameron
Growing up in Nashville, Sharon Cameron was surrounded by music and history, but it was books that captured her heart. Her fascination with storytelling led her to voraciously read and refine her craft, drawing inspiration from historical events and the quirks of human nature. After years of honing her voice, Cameron burst onto the YA scene in 2012 with her debut novel, The Dark Unwinding, which won the Sue Alexander Most Promising New Work Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. This marked the start of a career defined by immersive worlds and unforgettable characters.
Sharon Cameron’s Unforgettable Stories
Cameron’s novels are a masterclass in blending historical fiction with fantastical elements. The Dark Unwinding (2012) follows Katharine Tulman as she navigates a mysterious Victorian estate filled with genius inventors and dark secrets, earning praise for its haunting atmosphere and romantic intrigue. Its sequel, A Spark Unseen (2013), whisks readers to Paris, deepening the series’ political and emotional stakes.
In The Forgetting (2016), Cameron crafts a dystopian world where memories vanish every twelve years unless recorded, centering on Nadia, a girl who never forgets. Its companion, The Knowing (2017), expands this universe with thrilling world-building and themes of truth and identity. Other works like The Light in Hidden Places (2020), a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, showcase Cameron’s knack for bringing real historical figures—like Polish teenager Stefania Podgórska—to life with emotional depth.
Her style is vivid yet concise, weaving rich historical settings with fantastical twists that keep readers hooked. Cameron’s stories often explore memory, courage, and the blurred line between truth and deception, making them resonate with young readers and adults alike.
Why Sharon Cameron Matters
Sharon Cameron’s impact on YA literature lies in her ability to make history feel alive and urgent. Her novels don’t just entertain—they challenge readers to question memory, morality, and resilience. With awards like the Parents’ Choice Gold Award and YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selections, her work has inspired countless young readers to explore history and embrace their own creativity. Cameron’s Nashville roots also shine through in her community engagement, from local bookstore events to literary festivals, where she connects with aspiring writers.
- Key Works: The Dark Unwinding, The Forgetting, The Light in Hidden Places
- Awards: Sue Alexander Award (2009), SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, Parents’ Choice Gold Award
- Hobbies: Shooting longbows, exploring secret passages
Snag The Forgetting or The Light in Hidden Places and dive into Sharon Cameron’s spellbinding blend of history and fantasy!