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, was published in 2011 by Wendy Lamb Books/Random House. 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. I'm thrilled and honored that the book is nominated for a 2014 Bluestem Book Award. Illinois students in grades 3-5 will be reading the 20 nominated books this year, then voting for their favorite in March 2014.

My second middle grade book will be published in the spring of 2014, also by Wendy Lamb Books/Random House. It's the story of Nina Ross, a 13-year old girl who senses the disconnection of people in her neighborhood. She spends a summer doing anonymous good things, contemplating if doing good...really does any good. People's reactions aren't at all what she expects. Check back soon for the cover and title!

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.

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