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Stemple, Heidi E.Y.

Stemple, Heidi E.Y.

Heidi didn’t want to be a writer when she grew up. In fact, after she graduated from college, she became a probation officer in Florida. It wasn’t until she was 28 years old that she gave in and joined her mother, author Jane Yolen and both her brothers in the family business. Since then, she has published 20 books as well as numerous short stories and poems, mostly for children. www.heidieystemple.com

Heidi lives on an old tobacco farm in western Massachusetts where she writes, reads, cooks, sews, and once a year, calls and counts owls for the Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

3 Fun Facts

1. After college I attended the corrections part of the police academy. I had no intention of becoming a writer.
2. I love to sew. I spent the last 10 year making ballet costumes for my daughter’s ballet school.
3. I love Brussels Sprouts but hate bacon

Soman, David

Jacky-Davis-and-David-Soman-author-photo

Soman, David

Jacky and David, are the creators of the New York Time’s Best-Selling LADYBUG GIRL series. They live with their two children and rescue dog in Rosendale, NY. www.ladybuggirl.com

3 Fun Facts

1.Our dog, Pico, is a very messy drinker.
2. Ladybug Girl is based on our daughter who is now 16, and Bumblebee Boy is based on our 14 year old son.
3. If you ask David he’ll share his trade secret- of how to draw a tutu.

Simon, Seymour

Simon, Seymour

Seymour Simon (@SeymourSimon), whom the New York Times called “the dean of the [children’s science] field,” is the author of over 300 highly acclaimed science books, more than seventy-five of which have been named Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). He has introduced tens of millions of children to a staggering array of subjects, and says: “I’m more interested in arousing enthusiasm in kids than I am in teaching the facts. The facts may change, but that enthusiasm for exploring the world will remain with them for the rest of their lives.” www.seymoursimon.com

3 Fun Facts

1. Seymour Simon’s cat was named “Newty Fruity,” after the great scientist Sir Isaac Newton.
2. Seymour grew up with identical twin sisters who often tried to fool people by switching identities. The only person they could not trick was their little brother, Seymour. He always knew which was which!
3.Seymour Simon is working on a new book about DINOSAURS, which is going to be full of fascinating new information. Did you know there is a new dinosaur species being discovered nearly every week?!

Stolarz, Laurie Faria

Laurie Faria Stolarz is the author of several popular young adult novels including the Dark House series, the Touch series, Project 17, Shutter, and Bleed, (all published by Disney/Hyperion Books for Children), as well as the bestselling Blue is for Nightmares series (Flux Publications). With over a million books sold worldwide, Stolarz’s titles have been translated into thirty languages, been named on numerous award lists, developed into podcast series, and optioned for TV. Her newest title, The Last Secret You’ll Ever Keep, was released in winter of 2021, a companion book to Jane Anonymous, which was named a 2020 Best Book for Young Adults by Kirkus. For more information, please visit her web site at www.lauriestolarz.com.

My titles have been on the following lists: Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Top Ten Teen Picks, Best Books for Young Adults, and Popular Paperback (all through the American Library Association). They have also been on the Texas Taysha’s list and the Kirkus Best Books for Young Adults list. Additionally, my titles have been finalists for a New England Book Award, a South Carolina Book Award, the and the Missouri Gateway Book Award.

3 Fun Facts

1. Despite writing scary books, I scare easily.
2. I love mustard so much that I can eat it on its own, with a spoon. (Don’t judge.)
3. Even though I’ve always loved stories, I was a reluctant reader as a young person.

Sheinkin, Steve

Sheinkin, Steve

A former textbook writer, Steve is now making amends by writing history books kids and teens actually want to read. Recent titles include Bomb, The Port Chicago 50, Most Dangerous, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, Lincoln’s Grave Robbers, and the newest, Undefeated. His books have won numerous awards, including a Newbery Honor, the Siebert Medal, and the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults. www.stevesheinkin.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I love to draw comics
2. I make Lego movies with my kids
3. I didn’t realize I liked history till I was about sixteen

Sheinmel, Courtney

Sheinmel, Courtney

COURTNEY SHEINMEL is recovering attorney, chocolate-lover, mac & cheese expert, and the author of over a dozen highly celebrated books for kids and teens, including the young readers’ series, Stella Batts, the middle grade series, the Kindness Club, and the young adult novel, Edgewater. Courtney served as a judge on the national level for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and she received a National Scholastic Outstanding Educator Award for her work as a writing instructor at Writopia Lab. You can find Courtney on Twitter at @courtneywrites, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/courtneysheinmel, or her website: www.courtneysheinmel.com

3 Fun Facts

1. I can do a headstand for a really long time.
2. I always give my family members socks on Jan 1 – new socks to start the year off on the right foot!
3. I have never chewed gum.