I write nonfiction books about science and nature for young people. Why? Because I love it! I get to ask questions, read about cool subjects, and talk with people who do all sorts of interesting work. Then I get to write about the things I learn for people who are the world’s upcoming scientists, leaders, environmental advocates, parents, and more. The writing part can sometimes be tough but it’s also fun, especially when I go back and revise what I wrote—literally, I play with my writing. Afterward, I work with a phenomenal group of people: editors of all stripes, designers, illustrators, and marketers who each work their magic to produce a wondrous part of life: a book!

My first nonfiction book was a biography of American biologist and science writer Rachel Carson. Next, I took a look at the chemicals—both good and bad—that surround us, and I dived into rivers and their watersheds to see what happens when water and land meet. Staying with a watery theme, I then swam into the world of Pacific and Atlantic salmon to explore their history, biology, and relationships with people and the land. Next up, in homage to my mother’s profession, is a book about infectious diseases and vaccines, and after that—well, I have so many ideas that I’ll never get to them all.

I also write books with my sister, Elspeth Rae, who is a literacy and resource teacher for kindergarten to grade 7. She and I coauthor the Meg and Greg Books, which have short chapter stories with special features to help emergent readers get the practise they need to become confident readers. We started out a decade ago writing these stories for children who need extra help with learning to read and spell. But now, with educators embracing the science of reading to teach all children the critical skill of reading with confidence, the Meg and Greg Books are finding a wider audience. Find out more about the books at orcatworead.com.