WINNER: American Association for the Advancement of Science / Subaru Prize in Excellence in Science Books
November 2024
Violin of Hope
Based on the true story of luthiers who repair Holocaust-era violins.
Papa plays beautiful music on the violin, sometimes quick and lively and sometimes slow and sorrowful. But one night, there is a pounding on the door and a Nazi soldier snatches the violin away. The violin is silent for years until a luthier finds it and says, "I can fix you." Then a man comes to the shop and buys the violin for his son. In the boy's hands, the violin feels familiar, like a melody remembered from long ago.
Her Name was Mary Katharine
The Only Woman Whose Name Is on the Declaration of Independence
A rousing picture book biography of the only woman whose name is printed on the Declaration of Independence.
Born in 1738, Mary Katharine Goddard came of age in colonial Connecticut as the burgeoning nation prepared for the American Revolution. As a businesswoman and a newspaper publisher, Goddard paved the way for influential Revolutionary media. Her remarkable accomplishments as a woman defied societal norms and set the stage for a free and open press. When the Continental Congress decreed that the Declaration of Independence be widely distributed, one person rose to the occasion and printed the document—boldly inserting her name at the bottom with a printing credit: Mary Katharine Goddard.
Here is an important biography of a groundbreaking woman who had the courage to write herself into the history she helped create.
Christy Ottaviano Books - January 25, 2022
Bloomsbury - August 2021
Stolen Science
Sometimes History is a Big Lie
Over the centuries, certain scientists and inventors have been overlooked time and again, not because their work wasn’t brilliant, but because of who they were. For much of history, discriminated groups including women, minorities, and immigrants often had to claw their way past biases, only to have the credit for their discoveries stolen. STOLEN SCIENCE sets the record straight and finally gives credit where credit is due!
Bloomsbury - March 26, 2019
Can You Crack the Code?
A Fascinating History of Ciphers and Cryptography
Codes can carry big secrets!
Throughout history, lots of good guys and lots of bad guys have used codes to keep their messages under wraps. This fun and flippable nonfiction features stories of hidden treasures, war-time maneuverings, and contemporary hacking as well as explaining the mechanics behind the codes in accessible and kid friendly forms.
Sidebars call out activities that invite the reader to try their own hand at cracking and crafting their own secret messages.
This is the launch of an exciting new series that invites readers into a STEM topic through compelling historical anecdotes, scientific backup, and DIY projects.
Ella Loves to Inspire!
Author Visits
Would you like to have a published author visit your school or library? Ella loves talking about books and meeting with young readers! She offers several programs for children of all ages. She's also happy to develop a program to suit your specific needs. Please contact her to inquire about availability.
Ella Loves to Empower!
Speaking Engagements & Panels
As an expert in her field(s), Ella has been invited to lecture and speak on topics as varied as Internet Security, Cryptography, and History. She has taught courses, lectured, and lead clinics for both kids, adults, and everyone in-between.
