Joanne Rocklin, Ph.D. has written over 20 books for children, encompassing several genres. She has a doctorate in psychology and is a former elementary school teacher, presently writing children’s books full-time. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Joanne lived in Los Angeles for many decades. She now resides in Oakland, California with her husband, Gerry, one cat, and one golden retriever. When not writing she enjoys babysitting regularly for her four grandchildren, singing in a choir, gardening, baking artisan breads, and reading voraciously.

Joanne was a participant as a Writer-in-Residence in the University of Southern California Writing Project, a collaborative university-school program to improve student writing and the teaching of writing in the classroom. For several years she taught a popular class in writing children’s books at UCLA Extension. She gives presentations in schools and libraries and has been a speaker for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the California Reading Association, and other organizations. She has also led writing workshops for young people at the Jewish Community Library, Los Angeles.

Joanne says, "As soon as I learned to hold a pencil I began writing poems, stories, and diaries. I loved reading my own stories and library books to my two younger sisters. I have always lived within walking distance of a library. I love to read and write, but I also love to talk--especially about writing! Examine your world closely. Ideas are all around you, even though they seem to arrive out of nowhere! Everything and everyone is unique enough to write about--because no one else is seeing things through your eyes, or feeling with your heart."

Strudel Stories
Delacorte, 1999
ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978-0-385-32602-5

This novel follows a Jewish family through seven generations and more than a hundred years as they brave war, dare the difficulties of immigration, and enjoy the simple pleasures of friendship and sports. Sisters Jessica and Lori mourn the loss of their Grandpa Willy, but find strength in their memories as they sprinkle their apple strudel with the most important ingredient of all--stories. As Grandpa Willy used to say, “Without stories the strudel will be a big fat flop.”

A teaching guide is available for this title.

Awards & Recognition
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year; ALA Notable Book

How Much Is That Guinea Pig in the Window?
illustrated by Meredith Johnson
Scholastic, 1995
ages 5 to 8, ISBN 978-0-590-22716-2

Students earn money to buy a class pet.

This book is part of the "Hello, Math" series published by Scholastic, which includes an excellent guide and math activities by the acclaimed mathematics educator, Marilyn Burns. Others of my books in the same series are:

One Hungry Cat
1997, ISBN 978-0590939720

Not Enough Room
1998, ISBN 978-0590399623

The Case of the Missing Birthday Party
1997, ISBN 978-0590673594

The Case of the Backyard Treasure
1998, ISBN 978-0590308724

The Case of the Shrunken Allowance
1999, ISBN 978-0590120067

Just Add Fun!
2000, ISBN 978-0590643993

The Incredibly Awesome Box
2000, ISBN 978-0439099554