Picture a pediatrician spinning tales of unicorns and courage between patient visits—meet Susan Badaracco! This Oklahoma-based author captivates young adult readers with her fantasy series 'The Oath,' blending mythology, adventure, and heartfelt themes of friendship and bravery. With a stethoscope in one hand and a pen in the other, Badaracco crafts stories that inspire virtue and valor.
The Making of Susan Badaracco
Born and raised in Texas, Susan Badaracco grew up enchanted by 'The Chronicles of Narnia' and 'Nancy Drew Mysteries,' stories that celebrated courage, kindness, and honor. After earning her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio in 1995, she became a dedicated pediatrician at Kids First Pediatrics in Highland Village, Texas. Her writing journey began unexpectedly as a fundraiser for a children’s advocacy center, sparking a passion that led to her debut novel in 2017.
Balancing her medical career with storytelling, Badaracco drew from her experiences consoling anxious parents and chuckling at children’s jokes to infuse her narratives with empathy and humor. Her love for classic literature and mythology shaped her unique voice, making her a standout in young adult fantasy.
Susan Badaracco’s Unforgettable Stories
Badaracco’s flagship series, 'The Oath,' is a thrilling blend of unicorn-filled fantasy and coming-of-age adventure. Her debut, 'The Oath: Maddy and Silenus' (2017), follows Maddy, a girl grappling with a possible kidnapping and a mysterious unicorn protector, Silenus. Readers praise its mix of 'Nancy Drew'-style mystery and 'Harry Potter'-esque magic.
The series continues with 'Ashton and Egorn' and 'Maribella and Connery,' each weaving tales of young heroes facing supernatural evils while protecting their loved ones. The finale, 'The Oath: The Death of Magic' (2020), unites three girls and their allies in a race to save unicorns from extinction, earning acclaim as the 'crown jewel' of the series for its dramatic tapestry of friendship and war. Badaracco’s offshoot, 'The Nine Jewels,' dives into Hindu mythology, following Gideon’s quest in India to rescue his mother, inspired by the Ramayana.
Her writing style is vivid and accessible, with rich mythological references and relatable characters who embody resilience and loyalty. Badaracco’s medical background adds authenticity to her themes of caregiving and perseverance, resonating with readers seeking stories of hope and heroism.
Why Susan Badaracco Matters
Susan Badaracco’s work transcends typical young adult fantasy by championing virtues like courage and kindness, inspired by the stories she loved as a child. Her series has touched readers, offering solace to those facing personal struggles through tales of triumph over adversity. As a pediatrician, she brings a unique perspective, crafting narratives that heal as much as they entertain.
Her ability to balance a demanding medical career with a prolific writing life inspires aspiring authors, proving that passion can thrive alongside profession. Badaracco’s stories encourage young readers to embrace their inner strength, making her a quiet but powerful force in the genre.
- Birthplace: Texas, USA
- Key Works: 'The Oath' series, 'The Nine Jewels,' 'Dance with Me' (memoir)
- Profession: Pediatrician at Kids First Pediatrics
- Influences: 'The Chronicles of Narnia,' 'Nancy Drew Mysteries'
Ready to gallop into a world of unicorns and bravery? Snag 'The Oath: Maddy and Silenus' and dive into Susan Badaracco’s enchanting fantasy!