Natalie M. Rosinsky

Natalie M. Rosinsky grew up in one “neighborhood” of books and now lives in another. Her childhood home in New York City was on an inner-city block made famous in Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn; today, Natalie and her family live in Mankato, Minnesota, on the Big Hill of Maude Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy series.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Brooklyn College, Natalie taught high school English and reading. She earned master’s and doctorate degrees in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Natalie has been a college professor, authoring a best-selling academic book and articles, and a corporate trainer/instructional designer. Since 1994, Natalie has written over 100 nonfiction articles, activities, and books for children and young adults.

In 2000, her piece about puzzles in Cricket magazine, “No Cross Words Allowed,” won the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Merit Award for the year’s best nonfiction article. In 2004, her article about forensic science in Odyssey magazine, “‘Facing’ Jack the Ripper: Forensics Then and Now,” was awarded a letter of merit in SCBWI’s annual competition.

Natalie’s biography of Northern Paiute leader Sarah Winnemucca was honored by the Western Writers of America as a finalist in the 2007 Spur Award competition for juvenile nonfiction. Sarah Winnemucca: Scout, Activist, and Teacher also represented the state of Nevada at the 2006 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. This biography was named one of 2006’s best books for children by the Bank Street College of Education.

Natalie has written science picture books and chapter books on holidays, money, hospitals, Native American tribes, ranchos, the Vietnam War era, and more fascinating science. Her longer works for older readers include a book about mysterious Jack the Ripper and biographies of popular author and storyteller Amy Tan and scientific genius Sir Isaac Newton. His complex life story reveals that this famous figure remained unknown in many ways.

Natalie enjoys writing so much that she is completing a series of books to
help young people write their own stories and books. In 2008, this ongoing
series won a Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of
Educational Publishers. Natalie's motto is "Plan ahead, but also live
'write now'."

Write Your Own Nonfiction
Compass Point Books, 2009
ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-0756541309

Are you excited by the mysteries that history and science explore? Do you ask yourself "Why?" and "How?" or "What's next?" when you learn about current events? Perhaps you are already a fan of a particular hobby or
sport. If you fancy the stories behind facts and you like to investigate them, you will enjoy writing your own nonfiction. This book will be your guide.

Write Your Own Fable
Compass Point Books, 2009
ages 10 and up, ISBN 978-0756541286

Since ancient times, storytellers around the globe have entertained and instructed listeners through fables. These short tales often teach lessons about good and bad behavior by featuring animals or other creatures. Adults as well as children appreciate how fables frequently poke fun at foolish deeds. You too can write fables! This book will guide you as you explore this worldwide tradition and create your own fabulous tales.

The Kent State Shootings
Compass Point Books, 2008
ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978 0756538453

On May 4, 1970, violence on the campus of Kent State University shook an entire nation. Learn what led up to the Kent State shootings and how the tragedies of that day unfolded. Discover how these shocking events affected the course of the Vietnam War. Find out what questions remain about the shootings and how they continue to influence people today.

The Draft Lottery
Compass Point Books, 2008
ages 8 to 12, ISBN 978 0756538415

Drafting young men into military service was a major controversy of the Vietnam War. Learn about the draft, including what happened to draftees and those who resisted or opposed the draft. Find out about the lottery system which was supposed to make the draft more fair. Discover how and why the draft lottery continues to affect some people and stir questions today.

Write Your Own Graphic Novel
Compass Point Books, 2008
ages 10 and up, ISBN 978 0756538569

Are you ready to get the big picture about writing? Today's authors sometimes use pictures as well as words to tell stories in graphic novels. Many writers create their own images for graphic novels, but other writers work with artists to craft these high-interest, exciting tales. Learn how to write your own graphic novel—either by yourself or with an artist—through brainstorming and other activities in this book. Be inspired by examples taken from adventures, legends, science fiction, fantasies, and fairy tales written as graphic novels. Discover how nonfiction such as autobiography, history, and science are also part of the popular world of graphic novels. This book will help you find your own creative path as a graphic novelist.

Awards
Association of Educational Publishers' 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award

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