Meet the Authletes

NameBrief AutobiographyLearn MoreTwitter
Allan WolfAuthor, performance poet, and past educational director to Poetry Alive!. Latest novel in verse is The Watch That Ends the Night: Voices from the Titanic (Candlewick Press). He has hundreds of poems memorized and puts on Po-Shows for preK-HS audiences.Visit Allan!@allanwolf100
Ally W. KeenanI'm just a girl who has a penchant for poetry... I'm so excited to be a part of this year's March Madness Poetry Contest! :)
Angie KarcherI'm a nocturnal writer of children's poetry, non-fiction & picture books. Based on the tail wagging, I'm well-loved by Gracie & Lucy, my 4-legged assistants. I'm the founder of #RhyPiBoMo, chef & chauffeur for 4 teens and wife to a VERY patient man!Visit Angie!@Ankar2013
Angie KiddFantasy writer, picture book illustrator, children's librarian by day; Batgirl by night. Featured poet for The Gathering of Writers. Poems published in literary journals such as Third Wednesday and Cellar Roots. Enjoys travelling to Japan.Visit Angie!@AngelaKidd
Ann MageeI'm a writer, teacher, mother, photographer, and food connoisseur. One interesting thing about me is that I have an identical twin sister and my husband has an identical twin brother.@ann_ammwrite
Anna Eleanor Jordan (Boll)Anna Eleanor Jordan participated last year as Anna Boll. She is ready for winter to end and will happily write poems about spring, anything green (even boogers), and cute new lambs. She has two sons, and one fur daughter. Anna tap dances, rows, bikes, and swims.Visit Anna!@annawritedraw
B.J. LeeB.J. Lee has over 60 poems published in anthologies and magazines. She blogs at www.bluewindow.weebly.com (currently on hiatus). B.J. is also writing a YA novel.Visit B.J.!@bjlee_writer
Bonnie BaileyI'm a mom. At least that's what the kid I live with says. I have a really cool job that lets me break stuff on purpose. I like to read, play softball and eat brownies.@writebeautiful
Bruce BalanBruce is the author of many books for young readers including BUOY and THE MAGIC HIPPO. He and his wife, Alene, explore the world on their sailboat Migration —they're in Thailand now. At sea or on land, March Madness gets the creative fires burning!Visit Bruce!
Buffy SilvermanBuffy's books and poetry are inspired by her love of nature and science. She is the mom of two grown children and the wife of one biologist husband. She enjoys speaking to school children about nonfiction writing and poetry.Visit Buffy!
Catherine JohnsonCatherine Johnson loves to write kids poetry at her home in Canada. She has written two poetry books and is learning to draw.Visit Catherine!
Charles WatersChildren's Poet, Actor, Educator. Let's go poets ... clapclap clapclapclap. Believe in yourself because your Uncle Charles believes in you! It's true. :-)Visit Charles!@waterscharles
Chris O'CarrollChris O'Carroll is a writer and actor. His poems have appeared in Angle, Light, Lighten Up Online, Literary Review, Rotary Dial, and other journals. Favorite stage roles have included Scrooge, Peter Quince, and Eeyore.Visit Chris!
Damon DeanWonder...a reason to read, a reason to write for kids. I love to satisfy and intensify child-like wonder about the world, about words, about the 'what-ifs' of their imagination.``Visit Damon!
Darren Paul SardelliBefore the age of 20, Darren Sardelli didn't think much of poetry. He actually wrote his first poem when he was a junior in college. Since that time, Darren's poems have been published in children's books, textbooks, and magazines.Visit Darren!@DarrenSardelli
David HarrisonDavid writes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for children and teachers. Pirates, a book of poems, represented Missouri at the 2013 National Book Fair. He is poet laureate of Drury University.Visit David!
Debbie LaCroixDebbie loves books. Her hobbies include reading, writing and even selling books. She is the author of “It's Almost Time.” Debbie has 2 boys, a husband, a dog and a cat. Her favorite color is yellow and favorite pastime is daydreaming.Visit Debbie!@littledbl
Deborah Holt WilliamsI live in Glenwood Springs, Colorado where I sub in a toddler class. My rhymes have appeared in Highlights, High Five, Hello, and Spellbound.Visit Deborah!@chamamama2000
Debra ShumakerDebra writes poems, picture books and magazine articles. From her Wisconsin farm girl roots to her life as a wife and mom in Northern VA, one thing hasn't changed—she is always surrounded by books.Visit Debra!@ShumakerDebra
Donna SmithLove: my husband, our children and grandchildren

Like: writing, reading to kids, watching people, waiting in lines, talking to cats, watching gardening, smelling seasons, laughing lots, finding the good		Visit Donna!@DonnaSmith
Elizabeth McBrideI enjoy both rhyming and non-rhyming poetry. Poems that offer creative exploration of a topic or an idea are my favorite. When the imagery and the sound are perfect, poetry is magic!
Gloson TehGloson is a 16-year-old poet. He has been writing poetry since age 9 and has two poetry books published. He also loves to compose music and make films.Visit Gloson!@Gloson
Heidi MordhorstHeidi Mordhorst squeezes as much poetry as possible into--and out of--the juicy little universe of her kindergarten classroom. She shares a birthday with Ezra Jack Keats.Visit Heidi!
J. J. CloseI'm an aspiring children's writer. Currently a student at UWEC, hopefully graduating this semester. I plan on pursuing writing for a few years following graduation, we'll see where it takes me!Visit J.!
Jackie WellingtonJackie Wellington- is a military veteran, teacher, and writer. She lived in many countries and conversed with many people. She is passionate about helping parents destroy the red tape that prevent them from acquiring a good education for their children with disabilities. Visit Jackie!
Jacquie SewellA passion for books and wordsmithing led me to the best job in the world: children's librarian. My first work appeared in print (my mom's handwriting) when I was 4. Since then I've had articles published in Cobblestone, Crayola Kids, and various local publications.@jjsewell416
Jane Yolen350 books ago, Jane Yolen was a beginner. At writing books. She'd already (since college) had poems and magazine articles published. Those first two books were for children and that's where her heart is.One was non-fiction about women pirates, the other a rhymed picture book. She has awards galore--but they can be dangerous. One set her good coat on fire.Visit Jane!@JaneYolen
Jean DaigneauJean has been published in several magazines, including Highlights and Fun for Kidz. Publishing credits include poetry, puzzles, crafts, greeting card text, educational testing material and freelance writing.
Jeanne M PolandIn her Quicksilver Studio, Jeanne Poland writes poetry for all ages and publishes photos of family and artwork. Fellow artists are her daily bread. Hand and electronics her fruits.Visit Jeanne!
Jim HayesJim Hayes who lives in Kilkenny Ireland has appeared in a number of poetry journals and is particularly fond of dabbling in Light Verse.
Joe MohrJoe's cartoons can be found in Yes! Magazine and around the web. His first book of poems and illustrations, ROBOT+BIKE=KITTEN was published in April 2013 by Blank Slate Press.Visit Joe!@poemsofjoems
Jone Rush MacCullochJone is a teacher librarian by day. She shares her love of poetry with her students.By nights and weekends, she's a writer, photographer, wife, and grandma. She listens to audio books.She's loves plain dark chocolate.Visit Jone!@JoneMac53
Julie KrantzMother, picture book writer and novelist, I published my first MG novel in July, 2012. Still trying to learn about marketing, social media etc. Really looking forward to March Madness so I can turn my poetry brain back on!Visit Julie!@julie_krantz
Karyn LinnellMy name is Karyn Linnell, AKA Mother Streusel. I write a lot of poems, almost none of them are useful. I try to be kind and clever and truthful. Most of all, I love to laugh because it keeps me youthful.Visit Karyn!@MotherStreusel
Kathy Ellen DavisKathy Ellen loves reading, writing, and talking about children's books. She also loves surfing, slacklining, and skateboarding. She's always looking for new adventures and new books, so let her know if you've read or done anything fun lately!Visit Kathy Ellen!@kathyellendavis
Kristen FooteAfter blogging for two years documenting my experience as a surrogate mother, I discovered my love for writing. It has quickly become one of my necessary creative outlets in life.@LittleFoote4
Kyle HartKyle loves to smile, eat, and think.

He's a runner, so his feet really stink.



Magic will happen if you start to believe.

It's amazing all the things you'll achieve.		Visit Kyle!@LosCornballer
LInda Baieliteracy coach -Denver, Colorado. Passions are grandchildren, reading, writing and being outdoors. Beginning to learn how to weave loves hiking in the mountains, loves the beauty of simple things in nature.Visit LInda!@LBaie
Lori DegmanI'm a teacher of deaf & hard of hearing kids. When I'm not teaching, I'm writing! My books are 1 Zany Zoo and Cock-a-Doodle Oops! (out in May). I write in rhyme, most of the time – but not always!Visit Lori!@Loridegman
Lynn WardLynn is a published children's author with two rhyming picture books to her credit - The Big Beet (2013, Omnibus, Scholastic Australia) and Sally Snickers' Knickers (2014, Walker Books, Australia)Visit Lynn!@lynnward007
Margo LemieuxMargo Lemieux is a picture book author, teaches art & writing classes, and has a chapbook from Finishing Line Press. Her hound Lulu helps with rhyming because she's so good at it (woof woof).
Marileta RobinsonA former editor, Marileta writes the monthly adventures of Spot in High Five Magazine. She is at work on several manuscripts, including picture books and a chapter book.Visit Marileta!
Matt Forrest EsenwineMatt has had several adult poems published around the country, and one, “Apple-Picking,” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. His first published children's poem will be part of an anthology due Spring 2015.Visit Matt!@MattForrestVW
Melinda HarveyMelinda Harvey is a fourth grade teacher in Western New York. She has enjoyed word play and rhythmic language for decades. Melinda is looking forward to her third year as a March Madness authlete!Visit Melinda!@thinkinginrhyme
Michele Adams NormanI'm a long-time public relations/education policy professional who has the great good fortune to now work with Peter H. Reynolds and his team at FableVision in Boston. We create positive multimedia that we hope will help move the world to a better place!@mmnorman
Michele KruegerMichele has worked as a poet teacher with California Poets In the Schools, and her poems appear in anthologies edited by Julie Andrews, Lee Bennett Hopkins and Jack Prelutsky.@michelekrueger
Michelle Heidenrich BarnesMichelle's poetry can be found in children's magazines, as greeting card copy, and on her blog, Today's Little Ditty. Sometimes she embarrasses her children, but mostly she tries to make them proud.Visit Michelle!@MichelleHBarnes
Miranda PaulMiranda Paul is a children's author who once read poetry while sitting in a pit of crocodiles. She's also the creator of RateYourStory.org, a site that helps writers. Two of her three forthcoming picture books are written in rhyme. Learn more at www.mirandapaul.com.Visit Miranda!@Miranda_Paul
Nessa MorrisI'm a librarian for vision-impaired people. I work all day and "mom" all night. When there's time, I try to write. Short of sleep. Short of time. Have compulsive need to rhyme.Visit Nessa!@Nessa_Morris
Patti RichardsPatti Richards is a freelance writer and editor, former teacher, wife and mother of three. Patti writes children's books and poetry. Her articles on parenting, health and education have appeared in magazines and on websites across the country.Visit Patti!@pattigail
Quinette Cook“Q” is a storyteller–graphic designer, children's book writer & illustrator, and poet. She uses words & images to communicate to the world. She thinks poetry is like Sudoku with words.Visit Quinette!
Rebecca ColbyRebecca has worked for a Russian comedian, taught in Taiwan, and traveled the world as a tour director. Born in America, she now lives in England. Author of THERE WAS A WEE LASSIE WHO SWALLOWED A MIDGIE (2014) and IT'S RAINING BATS AND FROGS (2015).Visit Rebecca!@amscribbler
Rebekah HoeftI'm a mom, a wife, a teacher, and a lover of reading and writing poetry and stories for children. My growing collection of stories and poetry can be found in my journals and on my computer.
Robert SchehterRobert has had poems in Highlights for Children, the SCBWI Bulletin, The Washington Post, Salon.com, The Spectator, and many other venues. Feel free to send him email at rs@bookbuzz.com if you like.Visit Robert!@BobSchechter
Ryan StocktonRyan = children's poet from Brooklyn, NY. Book = In The Sandbox - Poetry for the Child at Heart. Other poetry = soccer poetry for Philadelphia Union fan blog "Brotherly Game". Favorite snack = Doritos.Visit Ryan!@RyanRStockton
Samuel Wesley KentSamuel Kent has been writing poems for children and illustrating for more than twenty years. He's an Alabama dad who's best known for Lunchbox Doodles, a daily art and poetry project for his sons and for all kids (and parents) around the world.Visit Samuel!@LunchboxDoodler
Shutta CrumShutta Crum's numerous picture books, two novels and a board book have garnered awards and inclusion on major lists. She is also a librarian, educator and public speaker. Info: www.shutta.com.Visit Shutta!@shutta
Stephanie FarrowWhen she was a kid, Stephanie played with marbles. Now she plays with words and her big yellow dog. At night she reads under the blanket with a flashlight so she won't wake her husband. Stephanie is studying Writing for Children at Vermont College.
Stephen W CahillI live in Dublin, Ireland, where I write stories and poems for children. I visit schools and youth clubs. This is my third MMPoetry.@woozlecatcher
Suz BlackabyI'm a full-time writer, part-time poet, occasional teacher, marginal artist, & reluctant cook, scribbling away in the verdant, drizzly Pacific Northwest. Fully caffeinated (obviously).
Tiffany Strelitz HaberI am the author of two rhyming picture books: THE MONSTER WHO LOST HIS MEAN (Holt/Macmillan) and OLLIE AND CLAIRE (Philomel/Penguin.) I am also a food nut, and when birds come too close, I FREAK out. That is all.Visit Tiffany!@tiffrhymes
Vanessa HancockSingle mom of four fabulous kids, preschool teacher, and author at Write More Publications. Enjoying the journey with a little bit of silliness along the way.Visit Vanessa!@HancockVanessa
Victoria WarneckVictoria lives in Massachusetts with her husband, three children, and one energetic dog. She loves picture books, forests, Vizslas, kayaks, the Red Sox, karate, sand castles, and singing. She hates ticks.
Vikram MadanSeattle-based artist, poet, cartoonist, and illustrator best known for his hilarious award-winning humorous-poetry book 'The Bubble Collector'. www.BubbleCollector.comVisit Vikram!


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  • http://motherstreusel.com/ Mother Streusel

    Can’t wait to spend the next few months checking out all the sites and discovering new poetry. Just checked out Vikram’s book. Very inspiring.