Growing up in Hampstead, Maryland, I was close to many historical sites and enjoyed visiting them to hear the stories of the people who lived/died at those places. After moving to California, I have lived for many years near Coloma where gold was discovered in 1848. I draw upon my love of history in my non-fiction books for young readers and try to promote stories/people that have not been written about. These lost voices need to be heard to have a complete picture of America's past. I have been in education for many years as an elementary classroom teacher and University professor (California State University, Sacramento). I am a Past President of the California Reading Association (1994-1995) and a member of the California Reading Hall of Fame.