Esther Hershenhorn

Esther Hershenhorn is a Chicago-based, award-winning children’s author, educator, and writing coach. She is the author of S is for Story: A Writer’s Alphabet, illustrated by Zachary Pullen, published by Sleeping Bear Press in 2009, which introduces young writers to the tools and techniques of the writing life. Her other books for young readers include the Sydney Taylor Book Award–winning picture book Chicken Soup by Heart, Fancy That, and the middle-grade novel The Confe$$ions and $ecret$ of Howard J. Fingerhut, as well as the board book Txtng Mama, Txtng Baby.

A former fifth-grade classroom teacher and freelance educational writer, Hershenhorn teaches Writing for Children classes and workshops at the University of Chicago’s Writer’s Studio and Chicago’s Newberry Library, and coaches writers of all ages. She has been deeply involved with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, serving for many years as SCBWI-Illinois regional advisor, earning Regional Advisor Emeritus status, and serving on the organization’s Board of Advisors.