Meet the NF Ninjas

The Nonfiction Ninjas are a group of nonfiction authors who first met at a retreat at the Writing Barn in Austin, TX. We became fast friends and realized we have a passion for nonfiction that we want to share with you. We started this website and the NF Fest celebration.  Watch this website for more news and events, and subscribe for weekly writing tips and inspiration!

 
Lisa Amstutz is a literary agent and the author of  more than 150 children's books, including Mammal Mania (2021), Plants Fight Back (2020), Applesauce Day (2017), Finding a Dove for Gramps (2018), and Amazing Amphibians (2020). She specializes in topics related to science and sustainability. Lisa's background includes a B.A. in Biology and an M.S. in Ecology/Environmental Science.

Stephanie Bearce is at heart a teacher who loves to write.  With 25 years of experience in both public and private education she enjoys sharing her expertise with teachers and students across the country.​​ Stephanie is  the author of 24 books, and a certified teacher with a BS in special education and a Masters in Behavioral studies. She also got a BS in Agricultural Economics just for fun. She holds certifications in K-5 elementary education, K-8 LD, BD, and EMH, and is a certified school counselor for grades K-8.

Nancy Churnin writes about people that inspire kids to make a positive difference and encourage kids to be heroes, too. Dear Mr. Dickens, the story of a woman who spoke up to Charles Dickens, won the 2021 National Jewish Book Award and a 2022 Sydney Taylor Honor, is one of her two Junior Library Guild selections and is featured in an educational program at The Charles Dickens Museum in London, teaching kids to recognize and stand up to antisemitism. Among her other honors: multiple Sydney Taylor Notables, National Council for the Social Studies Notables, Silver Eurekas, Mighty Girl lists, Sakura Medal finalist, Notable Book for a Global Society, Anne Izard Storytellers Choice Award, the South Asia Book Award, Bank Street College and state book lists and starred reviews. A former theater critic for the Los Angeles Times and The Dallas Morning News, Nancy is now a full-time children's book author who lives in North Texas. You'll find free teacher guides, resources, and projects on her website at www.nancychurnin.com. Visit her on Facebook at Nancy Churnin, at Nancy Churnin Children's Books, on Twitter @nchurnin and Instagram @nchurnin
 
Susan Kralovansky started writing for the children’s magazine market and published stories and poems in places such as Cat Fancy, Our Magic Window, The Mailbox, and Humpty Dumpty. Her first book, There Was a Tall Texan Who Swallowed a Flea, was released in 2013 from Pelican Publishing along with her first nonfiction series, Library Resources, with Abdo Publishing. Susan has written twelve nonfiction books and illustrated her fourth picture book, How Fire Ants Got Their Fire, which will be released in 2020. A former librarian, Susan has led writing workshops and served as the Austin SCBWI Picture Book Mentor. 

Christine Liu-Perkins' first book, At Home in Her Tomb: Lady Dai and the Ancient Chinese Treasures of Mawangdui, received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist, appeared on multiple "best books of the year" lists, and was recommended by both the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council for the Social Studies. The daughter of Chinese immigrants to the U.S., Christine grew up learning to see the world from more than one perspective. She has lived in various cities across the United States, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Linda Skeers lives in Iowa, where she wrote Women Who Dared: 52 Stories of Daredevils, Adventurers, and Rebels. She wrote Toy Makers, about the creators of well-known toys including Legos, Lionel trains, and Barbie. She has also written two picture books, The Impossible Patriotism Project and Tutus Aren’t My Style. Her newest book is Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist, and there are more books to come! Visit her at  http://www.lindaskeers.com/
 
Peggy Thomas has been cultivating curiosity for more than 20 years. Her nonfiction has received recognition from NCTE Orbis Pictus, NSTA-CBC, Junior Literary Guild, American Library Association, and numerous state reading associations. In 2020, Full of Beans: How Henry Ford Grew a Car, earned Book of the Year from the American Farm Bureau. Peggy is also co-author of Anatomy of Nonfiction, a writer’s guide for crafting true stories for children. From her home base in Middleport, NY, Peggy presents at schools and conferences, and can't wait to present in person again. Visit her at www.Peggythomaswrites.com.

Pat Miller was a school teacher, elementary librarian, contributing editor to a national magazine, and author of nine books for kids, including The Hole Story of the Doughnut. She and her husband have 3 kids (twins), 10 grandkids (2 sets of twins), and an illiterate dog. Pat's passion for writing true books led her to organize the NF 4 NF writing conferences and the month-long February writer's challenge, NF Fest.