My parents were both survivors of the Holocaust. My mother survived the war by hiding. My father was a survivor of the concentration camps. Their stories of survival were an inspiration to me as I was growing up. As an adult, I was determined to write their stories and pass them on to young readers. In that way, future generations would never forget that time in history.
I was born in Toronto and have lived here my whole life. I have a Masters degree in psychology and worked with troubled teenagers and their families for many years. But I always dreamed of becoming a children’s author. I stopped working full time in 1998 to pursue this dream. My first book, The Secret of Gabi’s Dresser, is based on a true story about my mother whose name was Gabi. I have gone on to write many more books about real people living through the Holocaust.
I am a multiple award-winning author whose books have sold in over twenty countries and have been translated into many languages. My novels are stories of hope, courage, and humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity.
These days, in addition to writing, I speak to young people in schools and libraries around the world, about the importance of understanding the Holocaust and keeping its memory alive. I also speak in universities and colleges on the topic of teaching sensitive material to young people.
I dream of singing and dancing but have decided to leave that to my two talented kids. My husband is a lawyer who also loves to sing.
You can contact me anytime. I look forward to hearing from you.