About

Nancy Churnin writes children's books about heroes that inspire kids to be heroes, too. She is an experienced speaker for educators, writers, and kids, who delivers keynotes, teaches workshops and presents frequent school visits. Her books have won many honors, including the National Jewish Book Award, Sydney Taylor Honor, Sydney Taylor Notables, South Asia Book Award, Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Award, Sakura Medal Finalist, Junior Library Guild, Notable Books for a Global Society, Social Studies Notables, Silver Eurekas, A Mighty Girl, have received starred reviews and are found on multiple state reading lists. You'll find teacher guides, resources and projects on her website nancychurnin.com

Featured Work

A Teddy Bear for Emily -- and President Roosevelt, Too

2025
A Teddy Bear for Emily -- and President Roosevelt, Too

Discover the fascinating true story of the Jewish immigrant family, Rose and Morris Michtom, and their nine-year-old daughter, Emily, who created the first "Teddy's Bear" and displayed it in their candy shop in Brooklyn to thank the President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt for saving a bear and making America a welcoming place for immigrants like them. The family was surprised and moved how this cuddly symbol of compassion became a beloved toy that transformed their lives and continues to delight children around the world.

Other Works

  • Rainbow Allies, The True Story of Kids Who Stood Against Hate

    2024

  • Lila and the Jack-o'-Lantern, Halloween Comes to America

    2023

  • Valentines for All, Esther Howland Captures America's Heart

    2023

  • Mama's Year with Cancer

    2023

  • Counting on Shabbat

    2023

  • Dear Mr. Dickens

    2021

  • A Queen to the Rescue, the Story of Henrietta Szold, Founder of Haddassah

    2021

  • Beautiful Shades of Brown, the Art of Laura Wheeler Waring

    2020

  • For Spacious Skies, Katharine Lee Bates and the Inspiration for "America the Beautiful"

    2020

  • Martin & Anne, the Kindred Spirits of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Anne Frank

    2019

  • Charlie Takes His Shot, How Charlie Sifford Broke the Color Barrier in Golf

    2018

  • Irving Berlin, the Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing

    2018

  • The Queen and the First Christmas Tree, Queen Charlotte's Gift to England

    2018

  • Manjhi Moves a Mountain

    2017

  • The William Hoy Story, How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game

    2016

Awards and Recognition

  • National Jewish Book Award
  • Sydney Taylor Honor
  • Sydney Taylor Notables (2)
  • South Asia Book Award
  • Sakura Medal Finalist
  • Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Award
  • Junior Library Guild (twice)
  • Notable Books for a Global Society
  • Social Studies Notables
  • Silver Eurekas
  • A Mighty Girl (multiple times)
  • Starred Reviews
  • State reading lists

Press and Media Mentions