Nancy Rust and Carol Stubbs are co-authors of six books. They have been writing together since 2011 and have published one regional book on Christmas traditions and recipes in Louisiana and four children's books, and a non-fiction account of the Louisiana Orphan Train. Nancy and Carol are members of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Acadiana Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Critique Group.. 

The Orphan Train Movement of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries is the largest, most extensive migration of children recorded in U.S. history.

The movement involved transportation by train of approximately 200,000 orphaned and abandoned babies and children from Northeastern cities to mostly small towns and rural communities in other states across America. 

This book zeroes in on the 2,000 or so who were sent to Louisiana and welcomed by foster parents in this predominantly Catholic part of the country. These children had been cared for in the New York Foundling by the Sisters of Charity, a religious congregation established by Elizabeth Seton, who was canonized as the first U.S.-born saint. The stories of the Orphan Train children are both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Orphan Train to Louisiana answers many common questions:

• Who were these children and why were they sent from the Northeast to other regions of the country?
• How were families chosen? What processes were used in placing the children?  What cultural challenges and expectations did the children face? How did the Sisters of Charity provide safeguards for the children? 
• What became of the children who were sent to Louisiana?

This children's book is based on the true story of the Peggy Martin Rose and told from the point of view of the rose. When Hurricane Katrina swept across the Gulf Coast, Peggy Martin’s home and her famous rose garden were destroyed and left under 20 feet of water. Later, in the mud and debris, Peggy spotted green on one old-fashioned rose. It was the only rose in her garden to survive and the only one that she had never been able to identify even though she had  consulted many rosarians. This hardy rose without a name became known as the Katrina Rose, and its miraculous survival brought hope to all for miles around. Since then, the beautiful pink rose has been officially named the Peggy Martin Rose and grows in gardens across America and around the world.

This book is so special...both for those who love flowers, who want to interest children in gardening or who simply care about people. I happen to be from New Orleans, and thought this was one of the most touching looks at the increasingly horrible weather traumas invading our country. The wording is simple, it gives a deeper meaning to a very wonderful, easily-commercially-available rose's survival story. I can't imagine any adult reading this, whether to a child or alone, not being touched in a very deep way. Not giving a age recommendation. I think it's good for everyone. 

--Amazon Reviewer

 A wonderful book about roses, aimed at children but anyone who loves rose and knows about the 'Peggy Martin' rose should enjoy this book. Highly recommended. 

--Amazon Reviewer

Authors Nancy Rust and Carol Stubbs sat down with Museum curator Josh Schick to discuss their new book, Andrew Higgins and the Boats That Landed Victory in World War II. The talk is available on YouTube, and the book is available for purchase on the museum website.

A Collection of short stories for middle grade readers.                             

• Amazing facts and bits of trivia
• Discussion questions
•  Fantasy, mystery, drama, humor

 I read aloud the wonderful short stories to my two grandkids. They loved them. As an educator, I am thrilled with the nonfiction snippets and discussion that occurs after reading. The interest level is high and every kid loves animals. The social studies, science, fantasy, moral, and cultural aspects are all there.

--Amazon Reviewer 

 As a teacher, I am always looking for books that I can use at home and with students. This book was perfect way to incorporate fiction and nonfiction reading! The facts that are spread throughout and the discussion question guided amazing classroom discussions and activities. I would highly recommend any parent or teacher purchase this book. 

--Amazon Reviewer 

Special Offer: purchase 5 books for $25. 

Great gift or party favor! 

• For purchasing information, contact info@nancycarolbooks.com