Beth Lincoln

Lincoln interrogates the interplay between language and identity, utilizing her background in etymology to craft engaging narratives that resonate with readers. Her distinctive approach involves a fascination with unusual words, a technique honed since childhood when her grandfather instilled a love for the origins and meanings of words. This foundation underpins her middle-grade mystery series, "The Swifts", where she creatively integrates gothic charm with murder mystery elements. By combining these themes, Lincoln not only tells a captivating story but also challenges young readers to explore the complexities of self-identity and familial pressure.\n\nIn crafting her books, Lincoln employs a method of selecting intriguing words from the dictionary and then creating characters that both embody and subvert these definitions. This innovative approach is evident in her debut, "The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels", which has garnered critical acclaim and spent significant time on the "New York Times" bestseller list. Her work is not merely for entertainment; it advances diversity in children's literature, offering complex and varied representations that empower children with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the world. Her bio also highlights how she actively shares this message through school events, encouraging students to embrace their creativity by inventing their own words.\n\nLincoln's contributions to literature have been recognized with multiple awards, including the Barnes & Noble Children's & YA Book Award, further establishing her as a leading contemporary author. Her focus on advancing diverse narratives ensures that her work reaches a wide audience, while her unique storytelling methods and thematic explorations provide valuable insights for both readers and fellow writers.