Anna Rose Johnson, an Author Conservatory alumna, has announced her fourth novel with Holiday House. Secrets at Sparhawk Point releases August 25, 2026.
The Michigan author graduated from The Author Conservatory in 2024. Her middle grade novels, inspired by her favorite childhood literature, explore universal coming-of-age themes. As a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Johnson also has incorporated her heritage into each of her published works.
Ever captivated by the historical 20th century, Johnson began writing historical fiction at age seven. Her writing is inspired by authors such as L.M. Montgomery, Noel Streatfield, and Maud Hart Lovelace. Johnson started in journalism as a gymnastics blogger and journalist; she has conducted over 500 interviews with athletes all over the world, including Olympic and World champions.
Johnson’s debut novel, The Star That Always Stays, was published in 2022. The book was named an NPR Best Book of the year, winner of the Amplify Christy Award, and received a total of 19 awards, nominations, and recognitions.
Johnson’s sophomore release, The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, released in 2024. It received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, as well as multiple awards and nominations.
The Blossoming Summer, Johnson’s third novel published in 2025, was named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and A Great Neck Library Best Book of 2025. It received praise from Publisher’s Weekly and other renowned publications, and Kirkus Reviews dubbed it “an uplifting and heartwarming novel that celebrates family and heritage.”
Secrets at Sparhawk Point follows a group of Swedish and Ojibwe children who concoct a tale about a local storm-monster, hoping to attract tourists to their declining coastal town. However, their plan begins to backfire as tourists become too afraid to visit at all, forcing the children to now convince everyone about their ruse. Except that the storm-monster might not be so fake, after all. Johnson incorporates both her personal heritage and love for historical fiction in the narrative.
The Author Conservatory exists to help writers turn their publishing dreams into realities. Learn more about how a holistic approach to writing craft and business allows authors like Anna Rose Johnson to build a career in the writing field.
