Sheryl Peterson

I grew up in the small southern Minnesota town of Redwood Falls which is surrounded by cornfields and river bluffs. In the summers, I loved to ride my bike to the big gray stone public library and fill up my bike basket with books (Little Women, Black Beauty, The Borrowers, Betsy,Tacy &Tib) Once home, I’d try to hide-out and read, hopefully escaping Saturday house cleaning or babysitting one of my three younger sisters. A good book, a blanket on the grass in the backyard, and maybe an apple to munch on, and I was in 10 year old heaven.

Since I was an elementary special reading teacher for years, I know that kids still love to escape in a good book—even non-fiction, if there is a compelling story and some fun quirky information. In my non-fiction books I work to tell a story that will grab a middle-grade kid’s imagination, not just report a series of stuffy facts. I am the author of many non-fiction books, including Sugar, Egyptian Pyramids, Machu Picchu, The Empire State Building, The Florida Marlins and The Seattle Mariners. I tell my students that if they want to write, don’t wait! Start now, on your computer or in an old ratty notebook.

I still dream of writing the perfect picture book or middle-grade novel. I am a member of CLN, SCBWI, and was the 1999 recipient of the Emily Award for most promising writer at UND’s Childrens’ Writer’s Conference.

I have three grown children and live on the Canadian border in International Falls, MN with my husband Richard, who has also been known to escape chores with a good book. I love to swim, take saunas, cross-country ski, and watch sunsets and northern lights from our Rainy Lake cabin dock. But sometimes I still get lonesome for red barns and cornfields and am considering buying a blue bike with a comfortable seat and of course, a big basket.

Minnesota
Creative Education, 2008
ISBN 978-1583416488

Alaska
Creative Education, 2008
ISBN 978-1583416273

Colorado
Creative Education, 2008
ISBN 978-1583416310

Idaho
Creative Education, 2008
ISBN 978-1583416372

Iowa
Creative Education, 2008
ISBN 978-1583416402

Maine
Creative Education, 2008
ISBN 978-1583416440

California
Creative Education, 2008
ISBN 978-1583416303

These books are part of Creative's This Land Called America series. These books showcase the history, natural resources, people, and attractions that make each state unique.Clear text and colorful photographs will appeal to the age 8 and above reader.

The Story of the Florida Marlins
Creative Company, 2008
ISBN 978-1-58341-488-0

The Story of the Seattle Mariners
Creative Company, 2008
ISBN 978-1-58341-500-9

These colorful, exciting books are part of Creative's Baseball:The Great American Game series. The books include lively player profiles and action so real you can almost smell the hotdogs!

The Empire State Building
Creative Company, 2007
ISBN 978-1-58341-439-2

One of the most fascinating architectural achievements in history, the Empire State Building has long been a symbol of human progress and is one of the most visited buildings on earth. Read more about the history, structure, and meaning of one of the most famous skyscrapers.

Ancient Wonders of the World: Egyptian Pyramids
Creative Company, 2005
ISBN 978-1-58341-359-3

These burial chambers have long facinated mankind. Learn more about them.

Ancient Wonders of the World: Macchu Picchu
Creative Company, July 2005
ISBN 978-1-58341-357-9

Read about this mysterious Peruvian city high in the clouds.

Sugar (Let's Investigate Agriculture series)
Creative Company, 2001
Ages 5-12, ISBN 978-1-58341-190-2

Reading Guide available from Minnesota Storytime

Ojibway Indians called the common red squirrel the first sugar maker. And did you know sugar is used to make cement and plastics? Learn about these and other quirky facts in this colorful non-fiction book. Sugar tells the story of this sweet treat from its discovery long ago to today's harvesting methods and uses.