Author-in-Schools
Mary Ann Easley
Author/Educator
"Middle school students are following the famous Iditarod Race since becoming acquainted with you and your Arctic adventures. We're able to incorporate your literature through all curriculum strands and see renewed enthusiasm."
Julian, CA
Mary Ann Easley: MaryAnn Easley is an author, educator, and speaker. She began writing during her childhood in Los Angeles, California. She received an award in a journalism competition while at the University of Redlands where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her Master of Arts degree is from Chapman University.
A certificated master teacher with over 25 years experience, she has been recognized as Teacher of the Year by her school district and was awarded for her achievements in literacy by the Greater San Diego Reading Association. She teaches literature at the university level, creative writing to middle grade students, and presents writing workshops for teachers and students.
Her three years teaching Iñupiat children in remote Eskimo villages above the Arctic Circle became the basis for her first young adult novel, "I Am the Ice Worm," a Junior Library Guild Selection (Boyds Mills Press, 1996), core literature in some school districts. The story portrays a clash of cultures as fourteen year old Allison sets foot in Arctic Eskimo villages and changes the lives of the native people as well as her own. This book appeared in paperback through Bantam Doubleday Dell (Yearling - 1998) and was featured in the Scholastic Books catalog.
Besides teaching and writing, MaryAnn Easley has fished commercially for salmon along the California coast. These experiences culminated in the middle grade novel, "Belly Up," (Royal Fireworks Press - 2000). After their grandfather's schooner sinks, fourteen year old Rachel and her twelve year old brother make life or death choices in order to survive at sea.
Relying again on her Alaskan experiences, "Dog Woman" (AmEricaHouse - 2001) depicts the culture clash a decade after the events in I Am the Ice Worm. Dog Woman, disfigured, deaf, and considered an Iñupiat shaman, plans to enter the grueling thousand mile Iditarod dogsled race from Anchorage to Nome. Laurie, a fourteen year old California girl, is the only one who can help.
A member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, PEN, National Writer's Association, California Teacher's Association, and National Educator's Association, MaryAnn Easley resides in Orange County, California with her husband and two dachshunds.
Two other young adult novels are under contract and due out soon.
Description of programs: The author captures the imagination of students with the personal experiences behind the writing of her middle grade novels as she explains the writing process.
Grades: K-8
Instructional Materials Included: Teacher's hand-outs, autographed books for schools
Other: Family Fun Nights, workshops, after-school programs, literature circles, book clubs.
CONTACT:
Mary Ann Easley
(949) 425-2969
E-mail: authorinschools@gmail.com
Web Site: www.authorinschools.com