Geneva author turns real school headlines into poignant fiction

What happens when a progressive teacher from New England lands in the middle of Texas school politics?

Longtime Geneva resident and award-winning educator Ellen Jo Ljung explores that question in her new novel, “Caught in the Crossfire,” a timely story inspired by the headlines and tensions that have pushed real-life teachers out of classrooms across the country.

An experienced storyteller, Ljung is the author of two textbooks about teaching writing and a teaching memoir, along with an ongoing blog, “Dare to Teach and Learn.” This is her first foray into fiction. The research for her blog propelled Ljung’s interest in the plight of teachers in states like Texas.

“Nearly two years ago, a creative and talented teacher named Claire Peters started pestering me in my dreams, in the shower, on long car rides. My mythical colleague had a story to tell and hounded me to tell it. Reluctantly, I let myself be drawn in,” Ljung said. “Claire’s story led me to research schools, communities, and laws in Texas, to merge real places and issues into this telling. Although this novel is fiction, it’s grounded in what happened to teachers in Texas during the 2022-23 school year, interference and micromanagement that continue to this day. The realities drew me in, and I hope they draw my readers in, too.”

Ljung will discuss and sign copies of her memoir on Saturday, June 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Harvey’s Tales, 216 James St., Geneva, with a rain date of Sunday, June 29.

“Claire’s story is fiction, but the stakes are very real,” Ljung said “Teachers all over the country are being silenced or pushed out, not for doing anything wrong, but for standing up for what’s right.”