Elizabeth Rusch
I am an award-winning children’s book author, magazine writer, writing teacher and speaker. My wide-ranging passions include astronomy, volcanology, art, music, history, nature, waves, jokes, crayons, and mud — anything that catches my fancy. I believe in the power of discovery, untold stories, and persistent questions. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction for children or adults or teaching workshops, I hope my work opens doors, opens minds, opens possibilities.
Works

The Next Wave: The Quest to Harness the Power of the Oceans
Join award-winning writer Elizabeth Rusch for an inside look at this exciting new renewable energy field. Follow Annette von Jouanne, her students and her private-company-partners as they struggle to create clever wave energy devices that float atop the waves. Step into the world of “the Mikes”—Mike Morrow and Mike Delos-Reyes—engineers and life-long friends who are trying to build a very different device that sits on the ocean floor. See the work of the scientists at Ocean Power Technologies, who might just be the first in the water to provide real energy to real people.
From the lab to the open ocean, the water park to the tsunami-testing basin, discover if it’s really possible to harness the awesome power of our incredible oceans. Could this really be the next wave?
Muddy Max:The Mystery of Marsh Creek
Volcano Rising
Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit up the World
Eruption! Volcanoes and the Science of Saving Lives
The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity
For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart
A Day With No Crayons
The Planet Hunter: The Story Behind What Happened to Pluto
Will it Blow? Become a Volcano Detective at Mount St. Helens
Generation Fix: Young Ideas for a Better World
Awards and Recognition
- Junior Library Guild selection, The Next Wave, 2014-2015
- ALA Notable, for Eruption!, 2014, The Mighty Mars Rovers, 2013
- CCBC Choice for Eruption! and Volcano Rising, 2014
- Children's Book Committee Best Book of the Year for Electrical Wizard, 2014
- Association of School Librarians Northern California Distinguished Books for Eruption!
- Pennsylvania Readers Choice Award finalist for Eruption!, 2014
- Flicker Tale children's choice award finalist (North Dakota) for Eruption!, 2015
- AAAS/Subaru Prize finalist for Eruption!, 2014
- Booklist Top 30 for K-8 for Eruption!, 2013
- Best Book of the Year lists for School Library Journal and NBC News, 2013 for Eruption!