How many of us know at age ten what we want to be when we grow up? And how many of us actually achieve that goal? I'm one of the lucky ones who did just that. I grew up in Colorado where my love for reading and writing was nourished by my family (I'm the oldest of eight) and my teachers. After getting my degree in English, I embarked on a career in writing for magazines and newspapers across the country which has lasted more than thirty years and which has grown to include the authoring of twelve books (to date), with the thirteenth due out in the spring of 2010. When I'm not writing, I spend a lot of time presenting my books in public appearances and conducting writing workshops in schools. My greatest joy, however, is spending time with my loved ones in beautiful Colorado. I am grateful to God for the gifts of faith, family, and friends--and for the ability to share my books with readers around the world. More information about me and my books can be found at my Web site: www.ClaudiaMcAdam.com  

• 2010 Colorado Authors League Award Finalist for Riddle at the Rodeo
• 2008 Colorado Book Award Finalist in Children’s Literature for Maria’s Mysterious Mission (awards to be announced 10.08.08)
• 2004 Winner, Highlights for Children national fiction contest for “Six Seconds of Lightning” (published in the May, 2005 issue)
• Recipient, Highlights for Children’s 2004 “Arts Feature of the Year Award” for the nonfiction article, “Taking His Best Shots” (published in the April, 2004 issue)
• In an article entitled “Catch a Judge’s Eye” in the Jan./Feb. ’08 SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators) Bulletin, my work was singled out as meeting the following standards: “Compelling nonfiction (that) grabs you by the throat and reels you in with every tasty morsel.”