NEWS! Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel has received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus and School Library Journal. It's a Junior Library Guild selection, a Winter '12-'13 Inspired recommendation for Kids from Indie Booksellers, and an Amazon Best Picture Book of the Month (January).
Fun Facts 1. I’ve ridden in a blimp.
2. I covered singer Karen Carpenter’s funeral for The Los Angeles Times.
3. I have a drumstick that belonged to the drummer of the Doors, a famous 60’s rock band.
4. When I was in college, I gave marine weather reports on KNX radio in Los Angeles.
5. I have great affection for lizards, frogs, and newts.
Michelle Markel Author
Recent Titles Tyrannosaurus Math (Random House), Dream Town (Heyday Books),Dreamer From the Village (Henry Holt), The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau (Eerdmans)
Presentations Assemblies: “How to Grow a Story”: The story of how I turned my childhood passions into books, and an in-depth look at the publication process (developing ideas, research, television/technique, working with an editor and illustrator). Includes interactive mini lessons about the subjects of my recent books (math, and/or biographies of individuals who overcame great odds in achieving their goals). Enhanced by visuals (Power Point, props, exhibits).
Workshops/Classroom Visits: “Every Picture Tells a Story”: Art masterpieces inspire lessons on lyrical, narrative and/or persuasive writing.
“Having Fun with Non Fiction”: How to enliven informational writing by using the techniques of the pro’s: figurative language, engaging characters, conflict and more.
Accolades “We loved Michelle Markel. She did a great job of keeping the students interested and focused the entire time. Her book definitely fit our curriculum. I would love to see her come back again.– Teacher, grade 1
“Not only have you inspired the students, but you inspired our teachers as well! Many are planning on developing an art lesson next month.”– School librarian
"I want to be an author when I grow up.”- Student, grade 2
For more information about Michelle, her books, or presentations, visit www.michellemarkel.com