EAST LANSING, Mich. — Author Sarah R. Baughman will be visiting the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL), 950 Abbot Road, on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. for a free, family friendly event.
Community members might have known Baughman as Sarah Reinhard back in the ‘90s when she lived in East Lansing and worked as a page at ELPL. In fact, Sarah grew up in East Lansing and is returning to her hometown as newly published author Sarah R. Baughman.
To the delight of middle school readers and adults, Baughman released her first novel, “The Light in the Lake,” in September 2019. It is a moving, page-turning debut novel about grief, family, the possibility of magic and the beauty of science.
At the ELPL event, Baughman will read from her book, answer audience questions and sign audience copies of her book. Copies of the book will be sold onsite by Schuler Books & Music. This special event offers young readers the opportunity to meet an author, perhaps for the first time, who grew up in the same City they did.
More About the Book
“The Light in the Lake” features 12-year-old Addie, who has been told she should avoid Maple Lake after her twin brother, Amos, drowned there a few months ago. However, its crisp, clear water runs in her veins and the notebook Amos left behind is filled with clues about a mysterious creature in the lake's inky blue depths, which keeps calling her back.
Brimming with hope, the agony of a child’s first experience with death, the beauty and enchantment of a summer spent lakeside and pleasantly punctuated with STEM appeal, “The Light in the Lake” is an inspiring coming-of-age novel for fans of “The Thing About Jellyfish,” “When You Reach Me” and “The Fourteenth Goldfish.” Baughman's middle-schooler voice is pitch perfect and rarely does a first-time author have such a firm grasp on emotion and character. “The Light in the Lake” buoys themes of grief and the afterlife, while empowering brave readers to explore possibilities and wonder.
More About the Author
Baughman is a former middle and high school English teacher who now works as an educational consultant and author. She graduated from Grinnell College and the University of Michigan, then went on to teach English overseas in three different countries – China, Bolivia and Germany. After six years in rural Vermont, Sarah now lives with her husband and two children in her home state of Michigan, where she spends as much time as possible in the woods and water. “The Light in the Lake” is her first novel.
PRAISE FOR THE LIGHT IN THE LAKE
“Compassionately told, this compelling debut brings to life conservation issues and choices young readers will confront as adults.” – Kirkus, starred review
“Heartbreaking and hopeful … The novel offers a gentle, introspective exploration of grief and the wonder and fragility of nature, creating a beautiful and dynamic world in which the scientific method and magic coexist.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Haunting, memorable and full of mystery, "The Light in the Lake" is a brilliant combination of beautiful, lyrical prose and a compelling, exciting story … Baughman has created complex characters with real, deep emotions and a picturesque setting that will make readers feel as if they are at Maple Lake with Addie.” – BookPage