Teachers

Teachers

Sample lessons—professional bio—reviews—bookmarks—bibliography—help with current projects

Teachers and Librarians—

As a child, I had the kind of memory that allowed me to remember exactly what my teacher told me. If later, I discovered my teacher’s facts were off, I felt a little betrayed. When I became a teacher myself, I realized how hard it is to be well versed in all the topics curious children want to explore. So when I started writing Made in China, I wanted to do it “right”. I read and interviewed experts. I wrote and edited. But I wasn’t prepared for the emotions that I experienced. I began to clearly see how totally absent any non-European based history (or anything else) was in the curriculum I was taught in the 1950s and 1960s. I felt angry.

Well, I’m over that, but I am dedicated to doing thorough research and honest presentations in my books. When I write books about groups of people, I work with them. When I write about history, I read volumes—literally. I never want a child to feel betrayed by something he or she reads in one of my books. Happily, there is always new information and scholars continue to refine and present new theories and ideas. So, at best, my books can be my best work at that moment in time—but I can promise you and your students, that’s what they are.

I love writing the books. I was a classroom teacher for eleven years, working with children from Kindergarten through sixth grade. I’ve taught outdoor education, and autistic classes. I am trained in ESL. And I have three grown children of my own. I design books with kids in mind, and I’ve aimed to design lessons and presentations with teachers and librarian’s needs in mind, too.

I hope my books open new paths of discovery in your classrooms.

Use these links for more information.

Request a professional biography

Reviews of books and presentations

Help with current projects

Sample Lessons — #1 #2

Print bookmarks

A bibliography of favorite books