I write fiction and nonfiction books for young readers from picture books to young adult. My books have received several awards and recognitions including the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books, NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book, and Junior Library Guild selections. I have a degree in biology, and taught high school science and worked as a science/environmental journalist before writing books for kids. My academic research focused on insect behavior and ecology – I once spent a month trading seeds with harvester ants! Now I observe pollinators and other arthropods that live around me. I tend an organic garden and plant flowers for the local pollinators. From native bees to seed-stealing squirrels, the world outside my back door inspires my writing. I share books, author interviews, and STEM activities on my blog, Archimedes Notebook (archimedesnotebook.blogspot.com)