L.T. Caton
Author Interview - L.T. Caton
Author of Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus
A group of young friends travel back in time to key periods in history in this new chapter book adventure series, making learning fun!
A normal day of hide-and-seek turns into a discovery of a lifetime when five young friends are transported back in time after finding a secret clubhouse at the top of a sycamore tree. Dubbing themselves the Tree House Club, Ashley, Emma, Keith, Aaron, and Harry learn that events of the past didn’t necessarily unfold the way they learned in school.
The treehouse has magical abilities that take Ashley and her friends to Guanahani in 1492, a time the kids requested to witness Christopher Columbus arrive on his first land on his voyage to the New World. There, the friends—dubbed the Tree House Club—meet the kind and generous Taino Lukku-Cairo tribespeople who welcome their new visitors with food and gifts.
It isn’t long before the Taino chief, Tiburon, and the Tree House Club friends see three sailing ships approaching. With history on their side, the kids realize it is the famed explorer, Christopher Columbus, who quickly makes his claim for the Taino’s native land for the Queen of Spain. The kids soon learn that what their history books did not teach them was some of the lesser-known facts about Columbus, his greedy intentions in Guanahani—or San Salvador, as he named it—and his poor treatment of the humble Taino people. But the children’s friendships with the Taino put their own lives in danger from the European colonists. Will the treehouse save them in time?
Author Interview - L.T. Caton
Author I draw inspiration from: Avi (Edward Irving)
Author Interview - L.T. Caton | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: I love to read a book on the beach.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Hermione Granger, Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Author Interview - L.T. Caton | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: One day as I watched my students struggle to connect with the historical content they were reading, I realized they needed a different approach, a way to make history come alive for them. That's when I began to see myself in a new light: not just as a teacher but as a storyteller. I started writing my own historical fiction, weaving real events and figures into engaging and relatable narratives that my students could connect with. Before long, I knew that I had found my calling. I am determined to inspire a new generation of readers and history enthusiasts.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Paperback
The last book I read: Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person, Shonda Rhimes
Author Interview - L.T. Caton | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: Computer
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Author Interview - L.T. Caton | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: Veterinarian
Favorite decade in fashion history: 1920s, roaring twenties
Place I’d most like to travel: Fiji
My signature drink: Margarita
Favorite artist: Banksy
Number one on my bucket list: Backpack throughout Europe
Anything else you'd like to add: As an author inspired to write stories from a perspective not often explored in textbooks, my writing process involves extensive research. I engage in inspiration gathering to help develop the characters and plot and ensure that my story is grounded in authenticity and historical accuracy. Research helps bring characters and their experiences to life in an engaging and informative way. I rely heavily on feedback to help improve my writing, and my sister, my biggest fan, provides me with valuable insights into what works and what doesn't. By incorporating research, inspiration gathering, and feedback, I can craft meaningful and entertaining stories.
Author Bio: Children’s book author L.T. Caton knew early in her teaching career that she wanted to be a writer. When she was a young student, history was her least favorite subject. She found it boring and often questioned why the delivery of historical facts presented in school only provided one perspective. As a teacher and writer, her goal is to provide students with an entertaining opportunity to learn about people in history who are often not mentioned in textbooks. She hopes to achieve this goal through her new chapter book series, Find Me in Time, a collection of chapter books covering significant events or periods in history.
Being a teacher, L.T. is never at a loss for ideas to explore in writing. She fact-checks all the content and enjoys providing an accurate yet different perspective on history than what is typically taught in schools. Through her research, she has learned that many conflicting versions of history exist. She hopes her stories will help students realize the importance of exploring multiple perspectives and provide a wider picture about important historical events.
L.T. thinks a great book has relatable characters, an engaging plot, and a lesson learned that can be applied to real-life long after the book is closed. She hopes her books inspire a love of reading and, in particular, inspire Children of Color and young girls to learn about people in history who look like them.
Hailing from New York, when she’s not writing fascinating historical fiction stories for young readers, L.T. enjoys being near the ocean—fishing, walking on the beach, sailing, and cycling. She also enjoys baking, cooking, traveling, community service, and being with family and friends. Her family has been supportive in her professional journey, including her parents, sister, and late grandmother. Find Me in Time’s debut title is Meeting Columbus, about the famed explorer’s first landing in the New World.
