Allison Crotzer Kimmel

When I graduated from USC's MPW program, I thought I would be writing for adults, but the birth of my son changed my writing. Now I have five books out including two nonfiction picture books. THE ETERNAL SOLDIER tells the story of Sallie, a real dog who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg and is credited with keeping her men alive. The second, UNBEATABLE BETTY, tells the real story of Elizabeth “Betty” Robinson, who not only became the first woman to win Olympic gold for track and field, she literally came back from the dead to appear at the Olympics a second time in Hitler’s Germany. Both of these real heroines showed bravery, grit, and loyalty, attributes I wanted to share not just with my own children but with all kids. Some kids have been lucky enough to know and love a great dog just like Sallie. Some kids have watched the Olympics in awe, inspiring their own dreams. And I hope all kids see themselves on the pages of my books- resilient and courageous.