Hi! I'm so glad you stopped by. I hope you enjoy learning more about me and the books I write.

My first book, CALLI BE GOLD, a novel for middle grade readers, is now available from Wendy Lamb Books (Random House).

Calli Gold is the youngest child in a family that places high importance on achievement. Calli's dad's motto is "We are the Golds! We're golden!" except that Calli doesn't feel so golden. She's tried gymnastics, ballet, soccer, violin, even origami, but flopped at everything. Not only does Calli feel like a failure, she also thinks she doesn't fit in with her loud, intense family. But when Calli meets troubled second grader Noah Zullo through a school peer helper program, she begins to discover what her true passion is. And in the process, she prompts her family to think about what it really means to achieve.

A story that applauds the joy in small moments, CALLI BE GOLD is sure to touch your heart with its true to life characters and engaging plot.

Many authors can pinpoint a time in their lives when they knew they wanted to be a writer, and for me, that realization came in fifth grade, when a crayon and construction paper "book" I wrote was one of the winners in a school contest. The book's title was "The Chair That Knew How to Dance," and my prize was reading my book to the kindergarten classes. What a thrill to see their captivated young faces as I sat in front of the room and read my story aloud. It's probably no coincidence that the main character in my first book is in fifth grade.

Let me know what you think about Calli's story. I'd love to hear from you!

Read my blog posts, and those of my fellow middle grade authors, at: