Picture a San Francisco-born storyteller who weaves tales of identity and courage against the backdrop of history—meet Susan Kaplan Carlton! With her sharp pen and a heart tuned to social justice, Carlton crafts young adult historical fiction that feels as vivid as today’s headlines. Her debut novel, In the Neighborhood of True, set in 1958 Atlanta, has cemented her as a voice for teens navigating prejudice and self-discovery.
From her Jewish heritage to her journalism roots, Carlton’s life infuses her stories with authenticity and grit. Whether it’s a teen hiding her faith to fit in or a road trip through the hippie era, her novels pulse with questions of who we are and who we dare to be. Let’s dive into the world of this Boston University professor whose words spark change.
The Making of Susan Kaplan Carlton
Born in San Francisco, Susan Kaplan Carlton grew up far from the flower-power days she’d later write about. Her Jewish upbringing and West Coast roots shaped her curiosity about identity and belonging. After studying at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, she interned at the White House, a stint that sparked her love for storytelling with impact. Carlton earned a master’s in journalism from Columbia University, honing her craft at magazines like Self, Elle, and Seventeen. Her leap to fiction came naturally, blending her knack for real-world issues with a flair for teen voices.
Now a writing professor at Boston University, Carlton draws on her experiences in Atlanta, where she lived with her family. Her daughters’ lessons in etiquette and social justice at their synagogue inspired her to explore the tensions of fitting in versus standing out—a theme that defines her work.
Susan Kaplan Carlton’s Unforgettable Stories
Carlton’s novels are like time machines, dropping readers into moments of moral reckoning with a side of romance and rebellion. Her breakout, In the Neighborhood of True (2019), follows Ruth Robb, a Jewish teen in 1958 Atlanta, torn between popularity and her faith. Inspired by the real-life bombing of an Atlanta synagogue, the novel tackles antisemitism and racism with a timeliness that stings. Critics, including Jodi Picoult, praised its call to courage: “True courage comes from purposefully standing out.”
Earlier works like Love & Haight (2012) take a lighter but no less poignant tone. Set in 1971 San Francisco, it trails two teens on a road trip through the Haight-Ashbury, grappling with freedom and feminism. Named a YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, it showcases Carlton’s knack for vibrant settings. Lobsterland (2004) dives into a Maine summer, blending humor and heartache as teens chase dreams. Her style—crisp, immersive, and emotionally raw—makes history feel like it’s unfolding now.
Carlton’s themes of identity, prejudice, and activism resonate with young readers, especially in an era of renewed focus on social justice. Her ability to weave personal experiences, like her daughters’ synagogue stories, into broader historical contexts gives her work a rare depth.
Why Susan Kaplan Carlton Matters
In a world where teens face pressure to conform, Carlton’s stories are a rallying cry to embrace who you are. Her focus on lesser-known historical moments, like the Atlanta temple bombing, shines a light on forgotten struggles while drawing parallels to today’s fights against hate. By centering Jewish and female voices, she empowers readers to speak up, even when it’s hard.
Through her teaching at Boston University, Carlton nurtures the next generation of writers, passing on her passion for stories that challenge and inspire. Her work reminds us that fiction can be a mirror and a megaphone, reflecting our flaws and amplifying our strength.
- Born: San Francisco, California
- Key Works: In the Neighborhood of True, Love & Haight, Lobsterland
- Awards: Love & Haight named YALSA Best Book for Young Adults
- Fun Fact: Carlton’s love for polka dots and vintage stores sneaks into her vibrant settings.
Snag In the Neighborhood of True and dive into Susan Kaplan Carlton’s world of heart, history, and hope!