You'll find information about my books, my background, my visits to schools around the country, and the writing classes I teach, as well as news!

NYAITC 2008 Book of the Year

New York Agriculture in the Classroom is celebrating its annual New York Ag Literacy Day on April 8th to promote the understanding and appreciation of agriculture and the food and fiber system. I'm pleased to learn that NYAITC's 2008 Book of the Year is Sugarbush Spring.

On April 8th, volunteers throughout the state will read a book with an agricultural theme to second graders. Students will also benefit from hands-on lessons and receive follow-up activities. The book is given to the school library with a bookplate recognizing the donor and NY Ag Literacy Day.

Thanks, New York!

New Books Coming Soon ...

I've signed a contract with Emma Dryden at Margaret K. McElderry Books for two new books, One Pup's Up and Pick a Pup. Now they will go to their respective illustrators to create that intriguing synergy between text and visuals. I'll let you know when the books will be available.

2008 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Writers/Children's Literature

I'm very pleased to share with you that my picture book manuscript, A Secret Keeps, has been awarded the McKnight Artist Fellowship. The judge was Emily Easton, publisher, Walker Books for Young Readers. She had these words to say about the manuscript, "Marsha Wilson Chall's manuscript, A Secret Keeps, represented the quintessential picture book project for me. Every word counted in this beautifully evocative, lyrical visit to a grandparent’s farm. The language is luscious and rhythmic, without any false notes.  The story has a strong structure—from sundown to sundown—and the promise of a delightful secret, in title and text—suspensefully withheld and then gloriously revealed."