Trish Marx is the author of more than one dozen non-fiction books for children ranging from history
(Echoes of World War II) and biography
(Touching the Sky: The Flying Adventures of Wilbur and Orville Wright) to environmental issues
(Everglades Forever).
As a child, Marx enjoyed reading non-fiction books, especially the poetry of Carl Sandburg. Marx earned a Masters degree in Journalism and was inspired to write non-fiction after a move to England connected her with World War II survivors, who she says had "wonderful stories to tell." When Marx combined her reporting interests with the World War II history she felt was important to share, non-fiction writing came naturally.
Marx values the New York Society Library for its diverse collection of books that "are not [available] at Barnes and Noble or other libraries." Recently, while writing a book on Cuba, she came across a Cuban diary from 1898, which she describes as "the perfect source" for her research.
Marx has received many honors for her writing, including awards from Parents magazine,
Book Links and
Bank Street College of Education. Marx, who has taught Writing for Children at Marymount Manhattan College, advises young writers to "Read, read, read," to keep journals, and not to be afraid to "jot down ideas."
(Research and writing contributed by member Dan Rubins)
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