One Came Home

American author Amy Timberlake writes for young readers, often blending mystery and social commentary against the backdrop of both historical and contemporary settings. Her work centers young protagonists who confront the limitations placed on them by their age and environments. Timberlake holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in creative writing. She lives in Chicago with her husband. 

One Came Home exemplifies Timberlake’s attention to historical detail as she portrays young protagonist Georgie’s view of her world and the complexity of girlhood in post–Civil War times. In keeping with her age, Georgie doesn’t fully grasp the romantic motives behind her sister Agatha’s decisions; additionally, Georgie also wants things to go her way, hoping that Agatha will always stay at home so Georgie’s world isn’t upended by change. The book also depicts the societal pressures young women faced at the time, such as Agatha’s need to ask her grandfather for money and permission, as well as how she is expected to contribute to the family by finding a husband. Similarly, while Georgie is only 13 years old, she views Billy (who is 19) as a viable marriage option, showing how societal expectations force her to concern herself with marriage while she is still a child.

Timberlake’s That Girl Lucy Moon (2006) continues the theme of youthful resistance in a more contemporary setting. The novel explores the tension between individual action and institutional power, following Lucy Moon, a conscientious girl who is on a journey seeking justice and the exposure of corruption. At the story’s outset, Lucy focuses on broad goals, such as animal rights and better conditions for factory workers. However, when her local newspaper covers up a story about a school injustice that gets Lucy and her classmates in trouble, Lucy turns her activism toward confronting the richest person in her hometown. The novel shows that young people have more power than they think.

Timberlake’s works for younger readers are rich in humor and continue to engage with ethical questions. The Skunk and Badger series features animal characters to explore themes of acceptance and empathy. In these stories, Badger doesn’t want Skunk as a roommate, but when Badger realizes he has no choice, he is forced to put his biases aside to make the best of his circumstances. In doing so, Badger discovers that even unpopular animals, like skunks, can be good friends.