Margaret McNamara

Christopher-Award winning author Margaret McNamara has written more than three dozen books for young readers, among them the popular Fairy Bell Sisters chapter books, the Mr. Tiffin's Classroom picture books, and the Robin Hill School series for early readers. Many of the ideas for her books come from her daughter's school days, or her own.

Margaret has just completed work on ELIZA, THE STORY OF ELIZABETH SCHUYLER HAMILTON, about the woman who co-founded the first orphanage in the state of New York (and who was married to Alexander Hamilton). ELIZA, which releases in October, 2018, is illustrated by Esme Shapiro, and features an introduction by Phillipa Soo, who originated the role of Eliza in Hamilton: An American Musical.

"Margaret McNamara is a pen-name," says the author, who writes for adult readers under her real name, Brenda Bowen. "I use the 'Margaret McNamara' to honor my maternal grandmother. The real Margaret grew up a very long time ago in County Clare in Ireland, and she was one of the few girls in her village who could read and write."

Margaret and her family live in New York City, and spend as much time as they can during the summer in Maine.

[Author photo by sdp.photography]