Welcome!

I am the author of more than 15 books for kids and young adults including:
* For the Birds: the life of Roger Tory Peterson
* Anatomy of Nonfiction
* Snow Dance
* Farmer George Plants A Nation
* Joshua the Giant Frog
* Forensic Anthropology: the Science of   Talking Bones
I am also an instructor for the Institute of Children's Literature (ICL), a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Rochester Area Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (RACWI). 
Feel free to browse through the books and bio, and let me know how I can help you or your organization achieve your goals -- to book a school visit, inspire young readers, hone your writing craft, or get published,





Chosen by the Nebraska Farm Bureau as 2008 Best Agricultural Book for Children grades 4-5
BOOK NEWS

Interview on AM BUFFALO 

FOR THE BIRDS  chosen by NCTE Orbis Pictus as a Recommended title.

A Guest Blog at Cynsations. about writing Aof NF.

Anatomy of Nonfiction: - What people are saying: "Anatomy of Nonfiction is a delightful treasure trove--conversational and up-to-date, insightful and savvy. A must-read for all lovers of youth literature, whether nonfiction is their specialty or not."
-- Cynthia Leitich Smith (New York Times bestselling and award-winning author)

"Picture the Science"  article in Children's Writer Newsletter,
Nov. 2011

Blog post  - Below the Falls -- about my visit to the Lewiston Public Library.

* Farmer George nominated for the South Carolina State Book Award.

*An Interview I gave on Cynsations, Cynthia Leitich Smith's blogspot.

* Farmer George on Youtube

* Farmer George selected for Keystone to Reading Book Award.

* Farmer George nominated for the Indiana Young Hoosier Award 2010-2011

* Article in the Batavian




Break into Publishing with:
New Release - Available Now!
For The Birds :
The Life of Roger Tory Peterson

From Calkins Creek

The inspiring story of a boy who turned his passion for birds into a world wide obsession.

Sign up now for the Whole Narrative Nonfiction Workshop
May 20 - 26th, 2012

Have you been working on a nonfiction story?  Need help polishing it or advice on how to submit it? Then join the Whole Narrative Nonfiction Workshop.

This unique program offers the one-on-one attention found in degree programs, but without additional academic requirements, lengthy time commitments, or prohibitive financial investments. Our aim is to focus on a specific work in progress, moving a manuscript to the next level in preparation for submission to agents or publishers. Focused attention in an intimate setting makes this mentorship program one that guarantees significant progress. Our novel mentorship program includes:

•Focused, one-on-one response to your entire manuscript-in-progress from an accomplished author and teacher
•Group discussion and feedback
•Seminars on technique, craft, query letters, and agent/editor submissions
•Ample time to write and revise

I am excited to be presenting this year with one of my editors Carolyn P. Yoder and fellow writers Elizabeth Partridge and Susan Campbell Bartoletti. 

Space is limited - REGISTER BY February 3rd.