Social Studies Connects Books

Michelle Knudsen has worked in libraries in New York City and Ithaca, New York. She is the author of more than forty books, among them Marilyn’s Monster, illustrated by Matt Phelan; Big Mean Mike, illustrated by Scott Magoon; and Argus, illustrated by Andréa Wesson. Michelle Knudsen lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Maryann Cocca-Leffler is the Author and Illustrator of over 60 books for children. Maryann’s books, “Janine” and “Janine and the Field Day Finish”, (A 2016 ILA Teacher’s Pick) were inspired by her daughter, Janine. (www.janinesparty.com). Other recent books include, “Same Way Ben” (Albert Whitman 2019), “The Belonging Tree” (Christy Ottaviano Books 2020) and “The Power of YET” (Abrams 2021). Maryann grew up in Boston (depicted in her favorite book “Bus Route to Boston”) and now lives in Maine where she is busy on her next book. She loves to connect with kids in classrooms, in person or virtually, to inspire kindness, creativity and literacy.