The Legend of Lady Ilena was on the Rebecca Caudill master list for 2004. It was also on the New York Public Library's Selections for the Teen Age, the Bank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year, and the University of Wisconsin's CCBC Choices for 2003. Publisher's Weekly said, "This quick-moving feminist adventure . . . will captivate fans of Arthurian lore . . ." VOYA, in a starred review, called it a "necessary addition to both public and school library collections." Hornbook Guide said, "an absorbing first novel."

Lady Ilena: Way of the Warrior, released in late 2005, is already on CCBC’s 2006 list and on summer reading lists throughout the country. The Kliatt reviewer says, “The action is nonstop and the battles are fierce, as is the treachery. . . . YAs, who love warrior princess stories and historical fiction, will enjoy Ilena’s saga.” VOYA says, “This title is recommended for most school and public libraries as an accessible, relatively brief, historical fiction title for middle school readers.”

Both books are now available in paper back from Laurel-Leaf.

School appearances can be tailored to the age and curriculum requirements of the student group. The most common topics are “Life in 500 AD” and “Fiction Writing.” Patricia is an experienced teacher of youngsters and adults; she speaks in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as at conferences, workshops, and meetings for adults.

Patricia is a native of Illinois and now lives in Naperville.

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