«

“…Austin uses extensive research, including the expertise of a Julia Morgan scholar, to craft an inspiring origin story ideal for young readers... Thoroughly researched and sweetly written.”

—Kirkus Reviews 

“Differing from many works of historical fiction that explore girls becoming women, Drawing Outside the Lines only brushes lightly across themes of romance or imagined homemaking. Instead, Julia’s passion for the elegance of math and architecture takes center stage in this highly satisfying narrative.”

—Historical Novel Society

“Austin imagines Julia Morgan’s life with authority.  She makes an important historical figure accessible to us. Drawing Outside the Lines makes us see and feel what Morgan was up against, which makes her spectacular work all the more impressive.”

—Gennifer Choldenko, author of Al Capone Does My Shirts

“Susan Austin's deep research makes her imagined story of Julia Morgan's early life and influences plausible—even more accurate than some of the biographies out there. But Austin's passion for the subject of this trailblazing architect makes the story fun and inspiring.”

—Karen McNeill, PhD, author of Parisian Foundations: Julia Morgan at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, 1896-1902

“Austin imagines Julia Morgan’s life with authority.  She makes an important historical figure accessible to us.  Drawing Outside the Lines makes us see and feel what Morgan was up against, which makes her spectacular work all the more impressive.” 

—Joan Schoettler, author of Ruth Asawa: A Sculpting Life 

 “A compelling story with a wealth of evocative details offers a memorable telling. Woven into the story are Julia Morgan's ability, persistence, and ambition...an inspiration for any reader.” 

—Margit E. McGuire, A Past President of the National Council for the Social Studies and Professor of Education, Seattle University 

 “Drawing Outside the Lines opens a window into another time and place . . . a window into the remarkable life of Julia Morgan who challenged gender discrimination to follow her dream of becoming an architect. The added bonus is the rich historical backdrop carefully researched and presented through the imagined story of Morgan’s early life. Readers will find mirrors in Julia’s story as she describes wanting something different—something that doesn’t fit the norms of the time and place. This wonderful story encourages us to take a stand and follow our dreams—it is indeed a story for our time—one of inspiration and perseverance. A must read!” 

 —Sarah Gill, author of Julia Morgan’s Berkeley City Club

“This is a simple and splendidly constructed story, history, and inspiration at a human scale. Susan Austin expertly weaves together fact and educated conjecture into a memorable tapestry of the formative years of a remarkable woman.” 

—Steven Finacom, Past President, Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association 

“Drawing Outside the Lines opens a window into another time and place. The rich descriptions of life in Oakland, California in the early 20th century presents readers with a window into the remarkable life of Julia Morgan who challenged gender discrimination to follow her dream of becoming an architect. The added bonus is the rich historical backdrop carefully researched and presented through the imagined story of Morgan’s early life. Readers will find mirrors in Julia’s story as she describes wanting something different—something that doesn’t fit the norms of the time and place. This wonderful story encourages us to take a stand and follow our dreams—it is indeed a story for our time—one of inspiration and perseverance. A must read!” 

—Margit E. McGuire PhD, Former President of National Council for the Social Studies

“This is a simple and splendidly constructed story, history and inspiration at a human scale. Susan Austin expertly weaves together fact and educated conjecture into a memorable tapestry of the formative years of a remarkable woman.” 

—Steven Finacom, Past President, Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association      

»