I love historical fiction authors who write stories that are accessible and make history jump off the page. I also enjoy those who share American experiences that can’t always be found in textbooks. Kids desperately need exposure to the diverse and multi-faceted ways Americans have suffered and thrived throughout history. Several of my favorite writers do just that and the others expand readers’ minds in other important ways. Here’s who I love and why:

Richard Peck: For writing about my hood with humor, love and respect in the A Long Way from Chicago books and for writing about a mouse in England that made my little, anglophile heart happy. 

Madeline L’Engle: For making this nerd think big thoughts that led to bigger worlds, ideas, and experiences than a farm girl ever could have imagined. 

Pam Muñoz Ryan: For shining a brilliant light on the Latinx experience and for writing horse stories that a horse-loving girl like myself cherished. Can’t wait to read Mañanaland.  

Christopher Paul Curtis: For saying, “I’m the kind of person who is excruciatingly slow to come to taking a risk but once I decide to, I’m all-in” and for creating Bud Caldwell and his Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself. Can we hang out, Mr. Curtis? I seriously love the way your brain works.  

Margaret Peterson Haddix: For using a journalism career as a jumping off point for a unique and fascinating children’s lit collection that captivated my son, as well as me.