News Release

Karen B. Kurtz

GOSHEN — Author Karen B. Kurtz will sign her award-winning children’s book “Sophia’s Gift” on Jan. 6, at Fables Books, 215 S. Main St., Goshen, during the Fire and Ice Festival. Find her in the children’s section from 6-8 p.m.

Kurtz will also present a program about her publishing journey and sign “Sophia’s Gift” at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Goshen Public Library, 601 S. Fifth St., in the auditorium. A limited number of her magazine features will also be available.

Kurtz has published books, essays, poetry and countless articles in leading magazines and newspapers for readers of all ages. “Sophia’s Gift” is her fifth book. A former elementary school teacher, college administrator, editor, publisher and consultant, Kurtz holds a master’s degree from Indiana University.

“Sophia’s Gift” won three book awards: Gold in the Human Relations Indie Book Awards for cultural human relations in children’s books, Short-Listed in the CIBAs Little Peeps Book Awards for Picture Books and was a Finalist in the Canadian-based IAN Book of the Year Award for children’s nonfiction.

“Sophia’s Gift” by Karen B. Kurtz is an award-winning children’s book about a young girl in Civil War-era Virginia. Photo provided by Karen B. Kurtz.

Based upon a true story from Civil War-era Virginia, “Sophia’s Gift” follows Sophia Strauss and her mother, Caroline, as they nurse a wounded soldier back to health. When he recovers enough to travel, the soldier gives Sophia a china doll she names Grace Darling, after the British Victorian icon, Grace Horsley Darling. Grace Darling becomes Sophia’s beloved plaything and still lives on today.

Artist Loran Chavez, Fairhope, Ala., illustrated “Sophia’s Gift,” a 32-page hardcover book for ages 8 and up, with vivid watercolor spreads. Provenance, historical note, color photos and a map are included. Kurtz promises this book, though aimed towards children, families and adult enthusiasts who are passionate about dollology, Jewish life, American Civil War history, British history, antiques and women’s studies, is a perfect gift for everyone, year-round.

A prestigious Coleman Award from The United Federation of Doll Clubs in Kansas City, Mo., empowered Kurtz’s research project into American Civil War dolls with provenance or history of ownership. She traveled the U.S. and Canada, documenting dozens of dolls.

If you are unable to meet Kurtz in person, you can buy author-signed books at www.fablesbooks.com. For more information, go to www.karenbkurtz.com.