She’s a beloved children’s writer, widely recognized for her gripping and suspenseful stories like The Volcano Disaster, Earthquake Terror, and I’m Not Who You Think I Am. Over the years, her work has earned more than fifty state young reader awards—quite an achievement that speaks volumes about her impact. Before fame found her, she spent her early years in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where life took a difficult turn at age twelve when she contracted polio. She ended up spending almost a year in the hospital, a challenging experience that likely shaped her resilience and storytelling depth.
As a children’s writer, she built a warm family life with her husband, Carl Kehret. Together, they adopted two children, Bob and Anne, creating a loving home that first flourished in California before eventually settling in Washington. Throughout it all, being a children’s writer wasn’t just a career—it became part of her identity, allowing her to connect with young readers across the country. Her journey, from childhood illness to literary success, reflects both strength and compassion, qualities that shine through in every story she tells.
Her memoir, Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio, truly stands out as a powerful and inspiring story. She poured her heart into writing it, capturing every challenge and triumph with honesty and courage. And you know what? The book ended up receiving the prestigious Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award in 1998—quite an achievement. Her journey, as told through her own words, clearly resonated with readers and judges alike. It’s no wonder her work continues to be celebrated; her voice remains impactful, and her legacy lives on through her writing. Her ability to reflect on such a difficult time with grace and strength is something that many still admire today.