We called my grandmother, Oma. She told the best stories in four different languages. She called me her best friend. My oma, grandpa and mom immigrated to America in pursuit of economic and religious freedom. I honor our relationship and faith with many completed stories about grandmothers, Judaism, and immigrants.
When I was twelve, my grandpa died. My brother was ten. My sister was seven. All of us were together in his hospital room when he stopped breathing. My parents did not shield us from difficult experiences. They guided us through them. I have written manuscripts about death, funerals, creation myths and other tough subjects that make the abstract concrete for children. Kids deserve the truth, and too few books exist in these realms.
I dislike shopping. In school, my favorite subject was math. I enjoy writing stories that challenge gender expectations. This includes a picture book for preschoolers about clothing choices, a graphic novel to show girls a character who loves math, and finding gender defying trailblazers in history.
At Hamline University, my advisor recommended I read The Comic Toolbox: How to Be Funny Even If You’re Not. My husband and three sons thought that was the perfect book for me. I cannot deliver a good joke. But I can write down the voices that bounce around in my head, and sometimes they are funny! Sassy cats, diva dogs, blue footed boobies, and a little subversion--sometimes writing (and reading) can simply be fun!
