We called my grandmother, Oma. She told the best stories in four different languages. She called me her best friend. My oma, grandpa and mom immigrated to America in pursuit of economic and religious freedom. I honor our relationship and faith with stories about grandmothers, Judaism, and immigrants.
When I was twelve, my grandpa died. My brother was ten. My sister was seven. All of us were together in his hospital room when he stopped breathing. My parents did not shield us from difficult experiences. They guided us through them. I write about death, funerals, creation myths and other tough subjects that make the abstract concrete for children. Kids deserve the truth, and too few books exist in these realms.
I dislike shopping. In school, my favorite subject was math. I dressed my babies in yellow and green. I write stories that challenge gender expectations. I especially love gender defying trailblazers in history.
At Hamline University, my advisor recommended I read The Comic Toolbox: How to Be Funny Even If You’re Not. My husband and three sons thought that was the perfect book for me. I’m learning to be funny. Sometimes writing (and reading) can simply be fun!
