Science and nature. Reading and writing. Children and youth.
About the Author
I haven’t always been a science and nature writer for young people, but the ingredients have always been part of my life. Now, with two school-aged daughters for inspiration and hundreds of ideas jostling in my head, I have leaped into the world of nonfiction writing for children and youth.
In spring 2020, I launched my first two nonfiction books: a biography of American biologist and science writer Rachel Carson, and a look at the chemicals—both good and bad—that surround us. Later this year, my next book dives into rivers and their watersheds to see what happens when water and land meet. And next year, a book about Pacific and Atlantic salmon swims onto bookshelves.
Not everything I write is about science or nature. With my sister, I also coauthor the Meg and Greg series of fiction books for beginning readers who need extra help as they learn how to read and spell. More about this project is at orcatworead.com.
Rowena
My Books
Upstream, Downstream: Exploring Watershed Connections
Our lives are deeply intertwined with land and water and all the connections between them. This book dives into watersheds to explore what they are, how we use and affect them, and how we can make a difference for watersheds near and far. For ages 9 and up.
Salmon: Swimming for Survival
Chemical World: Science in Our Daily Lives
A look at some of the materials―all of which are made of basic chemical elements―that humans use or come into contact with in their day-to-day lives. For ages 9 and up.
“Gives young eco-activists a leg up on the uses and dangers of classes of chemicals.” —Kirkus Reviews
Rachel Carson and Ecology for Kids: Her Life and Ideas
A biography of the biologist and science writer who opened people’s eyes to the dangers of widespread pesticide use in her 1962 book, Silent Spring. The biography tells Rachel Carson’s story from childhood in a small Pennsylvania community, where she developed her love of nature, to her acclaim as a national bestselling author of books about ocean environments and creatures, and finally to the controversy sparked by publication of Silent Spring and its aftermath. The book also includes 21 fun hands-on activities. For ages 9 and up.
“Does a masterful job of intertwining entertaining and poignant stories about
Carson with significant detail on topics that interested the scientist. A great choice for science and biography shelves.” —Booklist
The Meg and Greg Series
Is your child uninspired to read because the stories at the right reading level have content for much younger beginning readers? Are you looking for stories your child will find engaging and will be able to read successfully? Look no further!
This series of short chapter stories is designed for shared reading between a child learning to read and an experienced reader. The stories have special features to help a child with dyslexia or another language-based learning difficulty find reading success. For ages 6 to 9.
“A thoughtfully designed storybook adds another helpful tool to the box for readers who need support.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A unique approach to high-interest texts for reluctant burgeoning readers, this book offers phonics fun wrapped in serious research-based success.” —School Library Journal