Carol Ryrie Brink
Carol Ryrie Brink (1895-1981), best-known for writing Caddie Woodlawn, along with approximately 30 other books, grew up and went to college in Moscow, Idaho. Near the Washington state line, Moscow has a population of approximately 25,000 residents, more than ten times the number during the author’s youth.
The Library
Today, Moscow has named a library reading room and a park after the author, and the library is the same one the author used as a young girl. It is one of seven branch libraries in the Latah County Library District. According to its website:
“In April 1983 the building was opened to the public, with the Carol Ryrie Brink Reading Room in the historic Carnegie building designated a special place for the children of the community. This addition more than doubled the space while maintaining a warm and friendly atmosphere.
“The Moscow branch serves as headquarters of the Latah County Library District and houses roughly 60% of the District’s 100,000 volumes, both adult and juvenile. The District’s administrative, adult services, youth services, branch services and technical services, departments operate out of the this branch.”
Her Work
A local history expert interviewed Carol Ryrie Brink in the year she passed away and wrote this summary of the author’s life and work: https://dnews.com/life/nearby-history-local-historian-perpetuates-memory-of-idaho-s-own.
The University of Idaho gave Carol Ryrie Brink an honorary doctorate.
Her Most Popular Book
If you like historical fiction books with a pioneer spirit or stories about strong young female characters, the 1936 Newbery award-winning classic Caddie Woodlawn is worth reading. The main character is based on the actual life of the author’s grandmother.
Carol Ryrie Brink co-wrote the 1988 movie, more than 40 years after publishing the book. Magical Melons is the sequel.
This is the first stop on our Idaho Author Adventures Trail. It can also be added to our Washington Author Adventures Trail.
Patricia Smart
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