Patricia Newman

Sibert Honor author Patricia Newman finds inspiration in nature and science. Her books and school visits connect readers to their personal role in nature. To do that, she Teaches the Hope by introducing readers to conservationists who serve as civic role models for us all. She employs science demonstrations about marine debris, ocean acidification, and endangered species to make invisible concepts visible in a way that empowers rather than paralyzes.

Patricia says, “I once heard Michelle Obama describe community service as the work you do for the next generation—it’s the rent we pay for living. I like to think of my books as my contribution towards that rent.”

Patricia’s nonfiction titles have received multiple starred reviews, ALA Notable awards, Orbis Pictus Recommended Awards (NCTE), Green Earth Book Awards, and several state awards. All her nonfiction titles are Junior Library Guild Selections, and most have been included in the Bank Street College’s Best Books of the Year lists.

Read her interview about teaching hope amid climate anxiety for the School Library Journal. 

A few of Patricia’s books