About

I am a former award-winning journalist and an author of fiction and nonfiction books for children. I write with passion about little-known people of history who face adversity with courage. My book PURE GRIT: HOW AMERICAN WORLD WAR II NURSES SURVIVED BATTLE AND PRISON CAMP IN THE PACIFIC has been named a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, Jefferson Cup Honor Book, Washington State Book Award Finalist, Booklist Editor’s Choice, to the Amelia Bloomer Project List and awarded a EUREKA! Children’s Book Award for Excellence in Nonfiction. Forthcoming in fall 2016 IRENA'S CHILDREN, YOUNG READERS EDITION (Simon & Schuster) and FANNIE NEVER FLINCHED (Abrams Books for Young Readers).

Other Works

  • Irena's Children, Young Readers Edition

    2016
  • Pure Grit: How American WWII Nurses Survived Battle and Prison Camp in the Pacific

    2014
  • Journey to the Top of the World: How One Woman Found the Courage and Commitment to Climb Mount Everest

    2012
  • Celebrating Faith: Year-Round Activities for Catholic Families

    2011
  • Fire In the Hole!

    2004
  • Daughters of the Desert: Stories of Remarkable Women from Christian, Jewish and Muslim Traditions

    2003

Awards and Recognition

  • Booklist Editor’s Choice, Washington State Book Award Finalist, Western Writers of America SPUR Award/Best Juvenile Fiction, EUREKA! Children’s Book Award for Excellence in Nonfiction, Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, Jefferson Cup Honor Book, Amelia Bloomer Project List, Banks Street College Best Books, New York Public Library Best Books for the Teenage, Blue Ribbon Award from The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books,