I’ve been writing books and poems ever since I was a young child, so it was only natural for me to incorporate children’s books into my work as an educator and curriculum writer. I knew first hand the power of children’s literature.

Writing helps me make sense of the world. In many ways, I’m still writing for the kid inside me. Whenever I start a new project, I often think about what little Sarah would like or need out of the story and use that as my guide.

Growing up, I loved The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch & Michael Martchenko, Where the Wild Things Are‍ by Maurice Sendak, ‍Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg, Danny and The Dinosaur by Syd Hoff, Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, The Giver by Lois Lowry, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis, and My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok.

More recently I’ve been inspired by: The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld, Outside In by Deborah Underwood & Cindy Derby, I Am We by Leslie Barnard Booth & Alexandra Finkeldey, Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love, Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña & Christian Robinson, Big by Vashi Harrison, Room for Everyone‍ by Naaz Khan & Mercé López, ‍Dear Medusa by Olivia A. Cole, I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez, The Beautiful Something Else by Ash Van Otterloo, and The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo.

I grew up in a loving family, but one that faced many challenges over the years from homelessness to food insecurity to parental drug addiction. Thankfully, I had an extended network of caregivers that helped support my brother and I, as well as my mom.

As a kid, I often escaped into my head. I was always telling stories to myself, whether I was climbing trees or playing with dolls. Books became another safe place for my imagination. It’s no wonder that I’ve chosen a career as a writer!

I’m a disabled, nonbinary person and my pronouns are she/they.

I attended kindergarten twice because of my birthdate.

I witnessed the Challenger disaster live in the sky above my school playground.

Growing up in the 80s, I was often given a nickname to distinguish me from the countless other Sarahs. They included Sarah Barah (from The Name Game) and Sarah Plain and Tall (after the book by Patricia MacLachlan).

In college, I could solve a Rubik’s cube in under 2 minutes. Nowadays, I can solve it in less than 5.

Yes! I love sharing my stories and poems with children.

If you’re interested in scheduling a visit, please complete the contact form below. I can also customize supplemental teaching materials if needed.