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Michelle wrote essays, articles and stories for THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, and other newspapers and magazines before she began writing books for children. Her appreciation of other cultures, developed during travels in her youth, are reflected in her children’s books. GRACIAS, ROSA is about a Guatemalan babysitter, CORNHUSK, SILK AND WISHBONES shows how dolls are used in cultures around the world, and the upcoming DREAMER FROM THE VILLAGE is a picture book biography of the Russian-Jewish artist Marc Chagall. In her presentations, Michelle celebrates art and diversity, and gives a behind the scenes look at the writing process.
She holds a BA in French from USC, an MA in French literature from UCLA, and a second BA in Journalism from California State University, Northridge. A founding member of CAN! and a longtime member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Michelle has taught extension classes in children’s writing at California State University, Northridge and California State University, San Bernardino. Currently she lives in West Hills with her husband, younger daughter and two cats.
 Contacts
Email: markelwrites@earthlink.net
Website: www.michellemarkel.com
Books
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GRACIAS, ROSA
Albert Whitman
ISBN: 0-8705-3024-7
The story of a deep friendship that develops between a girl and her new babysitter from Guatemala.
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CORNHUSK, SILK AND WISHBONES: A BOOK OF DOLLS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Houghton Mifflin Books For Children
ISBN: 0-618-05487-1
A photo illustrated alphabet book that shows how dolls and ethnic figures are used in a variety of cultures.
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DREAMER FROM THE VILLAGE
Henry Holt
ISBN: 0805063730
A picture book biography of artist Marc Chagall.
One of New York Public Library's 2005 Best 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing with Children
Image cover courtesy of Henry Holt
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DREAM TOWN
Illustrated by Rick Reese (Heyday Books)
Henry Holt
ISBN: 1-59714-022-8
A grandmother describes growing up in a fantasyland, which turns out to be Los Angeles.
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Awards
CORNHUSK, SILK AND WISHBONES: A BOOK OF DOLLS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
- Selected for the California Collection by California Readers
- A PBS Teacher Source Recommended Book
DREAMER FROM THE VILLAGE
- Notable Book of Jewish Content for Children, Assn Jewish
Libraries
Reviews
GRACIAS, ROSA
"Heartwarming...Through the well-written, first person narrative, children learn about friendship, a different culture and a new language...An appealing read aloud with a multicultural theme. _ School Library Journal
"A contemporary story about the special friendship that develops between a young girl and her Latina babysitter, and the cultural bridge that is built through their relationship."
Booklist
CORNHUSK, SILK AND WISHBONES: A BOOK OF DOLLS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
"This book gets top marks in every category. The design is simple yet sophisticated, and the photographs are stunning...Author Michelle Markel uncovered the best possible sources for prime examples of interesting, distinctive dolls from a wide variety of cultures. As a group, her selections pose and answer the perennial question: What is a doll?"
Riverbank Review
"The text is lively and engaging and imparts solid cultural and historical information in a painless manner...This intriguing look at dolls as a reflection of the civilizations that created them is a good complement to more standard pictorial approaches to the topic, such as Caroline Goodfellow's The Ultimate Doll Book, and an attractive, informational alphabet book."
School Library Journal
DREAMER FROM THE VILLAGE
" Markel makes Chagall and his work accessible to children. Indeed, children are closer to the world of dreams and imagination than most adults, and many will find his work very appealing. The vivid illustrations are inspired by Chagall, but Lisker doesn't attempt to copy his style directly... This is not a biography for reports, but rather an excellent portrait of an artist that will open and expand children's minds."- School Library Journal
"The story will affirm and inspire any child who dreams and is misunderstood... Among the children's books about Chagall and his art, this is the most accessible and the closest to his artistic vision. Highly recommended for grades 3 - 6." - Association of Jewish Librarians
"Both straightforward and whimsical, this well-paced picture-book biography of Marc Chagall follows the artist from childhood to his triumphant showing at the Louvre, when he was 90....Markel's book is a creative introduction to the artist that reinforces the notion that pictures can show ideas and feelings, rather than "the way things really look." -Booklist
Other Publications & Media "City of Dreams," THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, Sept. 1 – 5, 2003
"City of Wonders," THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, Feb. 8 – 12, 2004
- In these five-part creative non-fiction stories, a grandmother introduces her grandson to fantasy buildings and architectural landmarks of Los Angeles.
"Duke," LOS ANGELES TIMES, Aug. 16 - 20, 2004
Presentations
My school and library presentations include visuals and props and cover:
- How I became a writer (including my experience as a reporter and free-lancer)
- Where I get ideas for books
- How to grow a book: from idea to publication, how a children's book is researched, written and rewritten, (possibly rejected!) and sent to press.
- An introduction to fantasy art and architecture
- The importance of having a dream and following through!
Lesson plans for my books are provided
What People Say
"Inspiring. My students are still talking about her visit. She knew how to talk to them on their level." - Teacher, grade 1
"I loved all she told me about the book she made. I wish I could go to the places she showed me on the slide show. I might want to be a writer when I grow up" - Student, grade 4.
"I've taken a lot of writing classes, and Michelle's has been the best. You can tell she has a passion for what she's teaching." - Adult writing student
"I loved her presentation. I'm going to use some of her ideas in the classroom, and I'm inspired to do some writing too!"
- Staff development student. Fun Facts
- I’ve ridden in a blimp
- My daughter was bitten by a 90 year old turtle
- I graduated magna cum laude from USC
- I lived in France during my junior year of college
- I covered singer Karen Carpenter’s funeral for THE LOS ANGELES TIMES
- I’ve collected folk dolls from Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico, Portugal, Holland, Czechoslovakia, India, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, Alaska and other parts of the U.S.
- My husband is an anthropologist.
- I have a drum stick that belonged to the drummer of the Doors, a famous 60’s rock band
- When I was in college, I gave marine weather reports on KNX radio in Los Angeles.
- My dream is to visit the Galapagos Islands and see the marine iguanas.
Just For You
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Michelle Markel
