Discover enchanting tales that inspire courage, friendship, and the magic of imagination. Join me on a journey through stories that touch hearts and spark young minds.
Hello! I’m so glad you stopped by to learn a little more about me. Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a passion for storytelling. As a child, I could often be found weaving tales and dreaming up new adventures, much to the delight of my family. My parents always believed that one day I would write a book, and here we are!
Reading has been a cherished part of my life from a very young age. The worlds I discovered between the pages of books sparked my imagination and inspired me to create my own stories. This love for literature has followed me throughout my life, shaping who I am and what I do.
Professionally, I’ve dedicated myself to education, particularly in the realm of special education. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible students, and it’s this experience that motivated me to write my book. I wrote it for my daughters and the amazing students I’ve taught over the years. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the power of inclusion and the importance of every child feeling valued and understood.
Currently, I serve as a special education coordinator, where I strive to ensure that all kids have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in inclusive environments. My mission is to create spaces where every child feels welcome and empowered, regardless of their individual challenges.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my stories inspire both young readers and the incredible educators who shape their lives. Let’s make the world a more inclusive place, one story at a time!
Discover magical worlds and enchanting stories
Cortney Gayle thought her biggest challenge this year would be the fourth-grade spelling bee-until two mysterious men in black suits show up at her classroom and change her life forever. Taken from her familiar world and thrust into the enchanted halls of Sugar Grove Academy, a secret school hidden from humans, Cortney discovers she's not who she thought she was. She's a halfling-half human, half magical-and the daughter of a powerful lightning dragon she's never met.
Suddenly, she's surrounded by talking books, flying teapots, magical creatures, and classmates with wings, horns, or glowing hands. While navigating this strange new world, Cortney finds friendship in a bold crow-shifter named Sky and a sarcastic elf-mage named Conner. But danger is never far behind. Mysterious forces seem determined to control her power, and dark secrets from her mother's past begin to unravel.
As Cortney struggles to understand her identity and harness her emerging lightning magic, she's faced with the hardest questions of all: Who can she trust? Why did her mother leave? And what does it mean to be both human and Fae in a world where you're told to choose?
Packed with humor, heart, and thrilling twists, Sugar Grove Academy is a middle-grade fantasy adventure perfect for fans of Nevermoor, Keeper of the Lost Cities, and Harry Potter. With rich world-building and emotionally resonant themes of belonging, bravery, and self-acceptance, Whitney Knowles delivers a magical coming-of-age story that will captivate readers ages 8-12 and beyond.
Whether you're a young dreamer looking for a world to escape into, or a parent or educator searching for a book that celebrates inclusion, identity, and resilience, Sugar Grove Academy is a sparkling debut that reminds us:
I'd love to hear from you!
whitneyknowlesauthor@gmail.com
United States
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