News!
I’m excited to share my new middle grade book in verse, LIFEBOAT 5! Published by my friends at Simon & Schuster, this stand-alone companion book to the award-winning LIFEBOAT 12 tells the “flip side” of the story—how most lifeboats did not float away from the torpedoed ship, but swamped and capsized. While LIFEBOAT 12 told of six young boys, LIFEBOAT 5 is the true story of two brave girls. On bookstore shelves now! (And here’s a terrific Teachers’ and Reading Group Guide.)
Middle Grade
A companion book to the award-winning
Lifeboat 12
Middle Grade
2024 Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award, given to a “distinguished work of nonfiction that serves as an inspiration to young people.”
A Junior Library Guild
Gold Standard Selection
Picture Book
Mathical Book Prize
"Immensely satisfying for young number lovers and fascinating for everyone." —Kirkus (starred review)
“A bedtime read that can grow with a curious child. VERDICT: A lovely addition to home libraries and library collections.” —School Library Journal
“Early math concepts, and a reminder that we’re all connected to something larger than ourselves. Splendid.”
—Julie Danielson
Picture Book
2022 Notable Poetry Book
—NCTE Award for Excellence
“Thoughtful and thought-provoking”
—Kirkus (starred review)
“A fantastic resource”
—School Library Journal
“I encourage everyone to read this book.” —Dr. Jane Goodall
No doubt about it—plastic is everywhere, from our phones to our toys and utensils. But the plastic we throw away is piling up on landfills and in the ocean, hurting the health of our planet. This book spotlights the growing threat AND introduces the inspiring kids around the world who are tackling the problem head-on. Includes tips about what YOU can do too!
Middle Grade
2023 Christopher Award Winner!
2023 Sydney Taylor Notable
Finalist for the 2023 National Jewish Book Awards
2022 Nerdies Award: Poetry
and Novels in Verse
Co-authored with Zhanna’s son Greg Dawson, this middle grade biography in verse celebrates the courage of kids and the life-saving power of the arts.
“Highly recommended.”
—Jewish Book Council
"A profound and powerful story of the Holocaust, told with heart, soul, and music."
—Kathryn Lasky, Newbery Honoree and winner of the National Jewish Book Award
“This lyrical book is one of the most truthful survivor stories I’ve ever read.”
—Jack Kliger, President and CEO, Museum of Jewish Heritage
“A harrowing and remarkable story of strength and survival.” —Kirkus
“All that I hope to say in books…is that I love the world.” —E. B. White
Virtual and In-person Author School Visits Available! Find out more here.
COMING SOON
SPIDER WOMAN
illustrated by Sophie Blackall
HarperCollins, 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS
Illustrations from The Last Straw © 2021
by Christiane Engel
September 27
Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival
10am - 4pm
Chappaqua Metro
Train Station
Chappaqua, NY
www.ccbf.org
November 16
Newton Children’s Book Festival
11am - 3pm
New Art Center
61 Washington Park
Newtonville, MA
www.newtonchildensbookfest.com