Kate Messner

Kate Messner is a New York Times–bestselling American children’s author whose work spans picture books, chapter books, middle-grade novels, and nonfiction for young readers. A former middle school English teacher who spent about fifteen years in the classroom, she previously worked as a TV news reporter and holds a BS in broadcast journalism from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in English/Language Arts Teacher Education from SUNY Plattsburgh. Her novel The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. received the E.B. White Read Aloud Award, and many of her books have been recognized as New York Times Notable titles and honored by organizations such as Junior Library Guild and Bank Street College of Education.

Messner is the author of 59 Reasons to Write: Mini-Lessons, Prompts, and Inspiration for Teachers, a professional resource that supports educators in developing their own writing practice. She also wrote the science-themed picture book Tree of Wonder: The Many Marvelous Lives of a Rainforest Tree, illustrated by Simona Mulazzani, which explores the biodiversity surrounding a Costa Rican almendro tree and has been recognized as a finalist for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books. In addition to these titles, her body of work includes award-winning picture books such as *Over and Under the