My work is focused on solutions to help students, educators, administrators and community members and their organizations/institutions thrive, not just survive.
The Lady Lucy series is about a young girl who wants to become a knight and is told, no, girls can’t be knights. But, she isn’t deterred and becomes Lady Lucy after passing three treacherous tests of knighthood. Once knighted, Lady Lucy goes on a series of questions with her trusty team, solving a host of problems and providing peace in her Kingdom (and elsewhere!).
The Lady Lucy series has a message for children (and adults) of all ages: believe in yourself and find creative solutions to the many obstacles we confront in our lives: discrimination, social unrest, famine, war, family dysfunction and fear of the unknown. Each book in the Lady Lucy series is a chance for all of us to wrestle with troubling issues and forward in our complex world. While the stories are situated in the Middle Ages (with its plentiful wonderful traditions), the issues have contemporary relevance for children everywhere. All the books in the Lady Lucy series are trauma informed and trauma sensitive.
In this second edition of the Lady Lucy books, the text has been updated as have the illustrations. Based on and guided by the original illustrations, the new illustrations are AI generated, an opportunity to explore and share a new technology with the readers.
The Lady Lucy series has been inspired by real figures in history. These are worth exploring for those interested in greater depth about many women whose history we have forgotten. The books also contain factual information about Medieval Times, including foods and weapons and clothing. There are also guide questions for adults reading the books with children in the hope that the book generates meaningful conversations about issues we all face. Finally, there are activities that support the books’ themes, bringing fun to the process of reading.
The Books
Lady Lucy’s Quest (Book 1)
Lady Lucy’s Quest is the story of a feisty young girl who wants to be a Knight in the Middle Ages. She confronts many hurdles but ultimately finds success because she can solve problems in unique and unexpected ways. Through her actions and words, she demonstrates the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and the power of the possible for children everywhere. This is Book 1 of the seven-book series called Lady Lucy’s Quest with more to come. The Lady Lucy series features multicultural characters in adventure stories that feature magical creatures and settings in situations where the character is on an epic quest…
Lady Lucy’s life as a Knight does not proceed as she anticipated. Rather than being welcomed into the Round Table, she is treated by the other Knights as an outsider. In a strange twist of fate, however, Lady Lucy saves her kingdom with the help of a creature that was much feared: a dragon. This chapter book, beautifully illustrated, shows the tenacity needed to change long-existing societal beliefs and the benefits that come from exhibiting kindness, creativity and courage…
Lady Lucy discovers a big shimmering egg hidden in a prickle bush. But, neither she nor her teammate Dillon the Dragon know what is inside the egg.
Together, they discover the newest member of their team when the egg cracks: a beautiful unicorn named Tapestry. Together, Lady Lucy and Dillon find ways to help Tapestry feel welcome in her new home…
Lady Lucy is worried about the possibility of war that is facing her Kingdom. She proposes a visit, with Dillon the Dragon and Tapestry the Unicorn, to Canalshire, the county ready for war. The idea of this visit scares her family and the other knights, all of whom wonder whether she will be injured or killed on her quest for peace. But, when she is finally allowed to leave and arrives in the foreign county, Lady Lucy discovers how to prevent war and at the same time help both her Kingdom and the neighboring county. Again, as she has done before, she saves people, animals and precious homelands.
Lady Lucy’s Ghost Quest is the 5th book in the Lady Lucy series about a multi-racial heroine who becomes a knight in the Middle Ages. In this beautifully illustrated sequel, Lady Lucy and her friends Dillon (the dragon) and Tapestry (the unicorn) travel all the way from England to Vermont to save a vacated but spectacular mansion occupied by ghosts. In a story filled with charm, humor and excitement, Lady Lucy demonstrates yet again the power of the possible, the capacity to find creative solutions to difficult situations and the recognition that what we fear might not be so dangerous after all. Join her and her friends on this amazing new Quest! You won’t be disappointed.
Lady Lucy is back with a new quest, one that is harder to achieve than any of her earlier questions. Sir Winston asks her to find the dinosaur that is scaring the villagers (most especially children) and to save the County of Surry from the dinosaur’s wrath. With her team of amazing helpers — Dillon the Dragon, Tapestry the Unicorn and Quincy the Belgian Shepherd — she sets out on an amazing journey that leads to an unexpected but successful outcome. Filled with laughter and teamwork and problem-solving, this story allows us all to find our way forward, even when that initially appears impossible. Join Lady Lucy on her latest quest.
In the latest book in the Lady Lucy series, Lady Lucy and her team are introduced to a magnificent Morgan horse given to them by Sir Winston, the oldest and wisest knight. Lady Lucy, her team and Morgan go on a journey to try to restore joy and happiness to the village which has experienced a terrible winter, social isolation and food shortages. In the process of unlocking the decades-old mystery, the team develops a deep sense of friendship with Morgan, and they are able to renew the villagers’ happiness and sense of hope.
La Saga de la Señorita Lucia es la historia de una niña enérgica que deseaba ser un Caballero de la Edad Media. Se encuentra con muchos obstáculos, pero encuentra el éxito porque logra resolver problemas utilizando soluciones creativas e inesperadas. Con sus acciones y sus palabras muestra la importancia de perseguir metas y el poder de lo que es posible para niños en todo el mundo. Como Lucia, puedes comenzar una saga en este libro de actividades, en busca de plumas, aperitivos saludables, bebidas saludables, ejercicios, y disfrutar recuerdos de esta héroe enérgica que quiere ser un Caballero.
Karen Gross’s Lady Lucy’s Quest series is a truly inspiring collection of children’s books that follow the journey of Lady Lucy, a brave and determined girl who dares to dream beyond expectations. Across four beautifully written and illustrated adventures, readers watch Lucy grow from a spirited child who refuses to be told “no,” into a courageous knight who proves that real strength comes from compassion, creativity, and perseverance.
Each book in the series highlights a different dimension of courage. In Lady Lucy’s Quest, Lucy overcomes the three great tests of knighthood with endurance, teamwork, and daring to dream. In Lady Lucy’s Dragon Quest, she transforms fear into friendship by seeing the good in a misunderstood dragon. Lady Lucy’s Discovery Quest introduces Tapestry the Unicorn and shows the power of empathy, inclusion, and standing strong when others are under threat. Finally, in Lady Lucy’s Peace Quest, Lucy faces her greatest challenge yet—showing that listening, understanding, and seeking peace can be more heroic than battle.
Together, these books deliver a powerful, child-friendly message: true heroism isn’t about swords or armor—it’s about kindness, courage, and believing in yourself even when others doubt you. The series weaves in fantasy, history, and meaningful life lessons in a way that feels magical and accessible for children, while also sparking important conversations for families, classrooms, and communities.
With relatable themes of fairness, friendship, problem-solving, and peace, the Lady Lucy’s Quest series is more than just an adventure—it’s a guide to raising brave, compassionate, and thoughtful kids.
A must-read collection for anyone who believes stories can inspire both imagination and character.
Karen Gross, the author, is available to read in-person or online to children everywhere. Several of the stories appear in Spanish as well as English and she reads parts of the stories in other languages if requested, including French, Portuguese and Swahili.
