As a child I read any book I could get my hands on. What kid asks for a coffee table book on wolves for her birthday? Me. (I still have that book. It’s on my coffee table.) A favorite Christmas gift was a thick edition of science questions and answers called Tell Me Why. I devoured it.

    When I was eight my favorite book series was The Happy Hollisters written by Andrew E. Svenson, aka Jerry West. As I read one of them for probably the hundredth time, I realized how grateful I was for those books. For the hour or so it took me to finish one I was a part of the tight knit, always cheerful Hollister family, using my smarts to solve whatever mystery presented itself. Jerry West gave me something I needed with his writing and I thought that to be an extraordinary gift. That is why I decided right then to be a writer. I wanted to pay it forward. I wanted to write books kids need.

    As a senior in high school, I won an academic/athletic four-year scholarship to the University of Arizona where I graduated with honors. A teaching career of thirty-three years allowed me to open the world of books to my students while also continuing my dream of writing. I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and have been a member for over twenty years. I also graduated from the Institute of Children’s Literature.

    I write fiction for kids of all ages. The stories I write are ones I would have wanted to live in as a child. Developing plots with, “Didn’t see that coming,” twists is a favorite for me. Magical realism is another favorite. Humor, empathy, and respect for children’s voices are infused throughout my writing.

    I live in Tucson, AZ where my husband, Dave, and I raised our two daughters. If I’m not writing I’m painting or playing pickleball. Yes, pickleball is a real thing. Google it. Better yet, find a court and play!