About

I have two main objectives in both writing and speaking. First, to enjoy the beauty of the art. Second, to utilize my experience as a freelance writer, author of children's literature, educational and inspirational materials, as well as my experience as an educator, to motivate young readers and writers, aspiring adult writers, and fellow educators. My greatest joy is the opportunity to touch base and speak with those readers and aspiring writers. I travel nationwide as a keynote speaker at educational conferences, book talks, and writing workshops.

Featured Work

A Letter to Mrs. Roosevelt

1999

Set during the Great Depression, A Letter to Mrs. Roosevelt is a heart-warming story of an 11-year-old girl’s courageous attempt to save her family’s home.

The Great Depression has disrupted the safe and secure life that Margo Bandini has grown to enjoy in the small town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where she lives with her parents and younger brother. In school, Margo has studied Black Thursday and the Domino Effect. She watched hobos come to her house for food, witnessed “Sheriff Sale” signs on the houses of her neighbors on Maple Avenue, and has taken notice when Papa comes home with produce as payment for repairing shoes.

But, the dark days of the Great Depression take on a new meaning when she comes home from school and sees a “Sheriff Sale” sign on her house. Desperate to save her family from economic despair, Margo writes to Eleanor Roosevelt for help. When she receives an unexpected reply, Margo scores a victory for her family and learns the true meaning of brotherhood.

Other Works

  • Many Genres, One Craft: Lessons in Writing Popular Fiction (Contributor)

    2011

  • Mealtime Prayers

    2005

  • Newspaper Series, "Heart of the Future"

    1997 - 1998

Awards and Recognition

  • REWARDS for A LETTER to MRS. ROOSEVELT:
  • 1997 Recipient of the Marguerite de Angeli Prize
  • 1999 A Booklist "Top 10 First Novels"
  • 2000 Teacher's Choice, International Reading Association
  • 2000-2001 Keystone to Reading Book Award
  • Nominated for State Book Awards in Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, Florida, South Carolina, Washington, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, and Tennessee
  • Selected by the Children's Book Council and the National Council of Social Studies as a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
  • ADDITIONAL REWARDS:
  • 2011 Distinguished Toastmaster
  • 1997 and 1998 First Place Connecticut Press Club Award for Newspaper Series, "Heart of the Future"
  • 2003 Distinguished Alumna Leadership Award, Seton Hill University