Leah Henderson is the author of many critically-acclaimed books for young readers, which have been included on a number of Best Books lists including the New York Public Library, Bank Street College, and the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature. Her titles include The Magic in Changing Your Stars, Together We March andThe Courage of the Little Hummingbird. She has written for the New York Times Book Review and been a contributing author for the Insights column in The National Council of Teachers of English journal Voices From the Middle. Leah has true wanderlust and when she is not creating stories, she is out in the world in search of them. Leah holds an MFA in Writing and is on faculty at Spalding University’s graduate writing program.
Raised in Andover, Massachusetts, Leah has fond memories of getting up to all kinds of shenanigans that often made for great tall tales told late into the night. Growing up in a family of curious travelers, she has always known where there is adventure, there is story. When she was young (and still today), it took nothing for her family to jump in a car, hop on a plane, climb on a camel, huddle in a rickshaw, or step aboard a dhow in search of adventure to learn, explore, and discovery.
Because many of the books she read as a child did not resemble the world she saw, her earliest stories came from a need to finish the tales and follow the real-life achievements and journeys of people and places she saw and learned about on her travels that were often overlooked. Through seeing the world, Leah has witnessed the richness that can be found within everyone’s individual story. That is why writing the world she sees is so vitally important to her.
Leah has mentored for many years and her volunteer work has always centered around young people being able to see their possibilities in the world. She earned her MFA in Writing and is on faculty at Spalding University’s School of Creative and Professional Writing.
These days, when she’s not off exploring, you can find her in Washington D. C. writing, laughing, or planning her next trip to get lost, then found out in the world.
Shorter Bio:
Leah Henderson is the author of many critically-acclaimed books for young readers including The Courage of the Little Hummingbird, Your Voice, Your Vote, The Magic in Changing Your Stars, A Day for Rememberin’, and Together We March. She holds an MFA in Writing and is on faculty in Spalding University’s graduate writing program. Because she has serious wanderlust, when she isn’t creating stories, she’s off someplace in the world getting lost, then found, discovering new ones.
You can find her on Instagram @Leahs_Mark or at her website: leahhendersonbooks.com.
Detailed Short Bio:
Leah Henderson is a writer, mentor, and teacher. Her critically acclaimed books for young readers appear on numerous Best Books lists including the Kirkus Review, New York Public Library, Bank Street College, and the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature. They have been American Library Association Notables, Junior Library Guild Selections, and SCBWI Golden Kite Award Finalists among other awards.
As an avid travel who has explored over 65 countries, her writing speaks to the world she experiences and the one she hopes to see. Her books include The Courage of the Little Hummingbird, Your Voice, Your Vote, The Magic in Changing Your Stars, A Day for Rememberin’, and Together We March. She has written for the New York Times Book Review and been a contributing author for the Insights column in The National Council of Teachers of English journal Voices From the Middle. She attended Callaloo Writing Workshop at Oxford University, and has served on committees for We Need Diverse Books, Highlight’s Foundation and Kweli Journal’s The Color of Children’s Literature Conference. Leah holds an MFA in Writing and is on faculty in Spalding University’s graduate writing program and a visiting faculty member at Hollins University MFA Writing program.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, Leah grew up in Andover, Massachusetts and now calls Washington, D.C. home.
You can find her on Twitter @LeahsMark or at her website: leahhendersonbooks.com.
You ask, I answer . . .
-FAQs-
Do you have a favorite book?
It’s hard to use the word “favorite” to describe how I feel about things. Favorites with an ‘s’ is probably a better question to ask. 🙂 There are so many books I love, and run to depending on my mood. But there are definitely some that have stuck with me.
When I was young, COURDEROY definitely left an impression. It featured someone that looked like my mom and me! More recently I have loved AMAZING GRACE, for similar reasons. But I also really enjoyed FISH IN A TREE, STRICTLY NO ELEPHANTS, A STORY ABOUT AFIYA, NINA, AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERS, and BOYS IN THE BOAT. But I come back to SULA, CHARLOTTE’S WEB, and THE PEOPLE COULD FLY again and again.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Again, I need the ‘s’. Favorite is too limiting. Some I never get tired of watching are: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (either the animated or new version), NOTTING HILL, FINDING FORRESTER, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, and WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING just to name a few.
What are a few things about you people may or may not know?
I’m an All-NewEngland soccer player, I’m a National Champion rower, and I have a sever case of wanderlust (I start to fidget if I can’t explore).
As an avid traveler, where is your happy place? Where were your most unforgettable adventures?
Amalfi Coast in Italy is definitely my happy place! It is also the place of one of my most unforgettable adventures, which involves the rain, an angel, a dog and a dark, dark night. Timbuktu and Oman come in a close second and third though.
Travel seems to be very important to you, where have you been?
I’ve been to 49 states (still trying to get to Alaska) and more than 60 countries. They all opened my eyes to something new and often unexpected. Some of the most memorable trips include: Malaysia, Singapore, Senegal, Seychelles, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, China, India, Croatia, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, England, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Mali, Haiti, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebonan . . . and of course each has a story.
What are some quotes you love?
“Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” ~Roald Dahl
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” ~Anton Chekhov
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” ~Maya Angelou
What made you set ONE SHADOW ON THE WALL in Senegal?
I was on a trip to Senegal and saw a boy on a beach wall that truly captivated me. He became the inspiration for my main character, Mor. So the story and setting found me.
What’s something you love to do that is a silly way to pass the time?
Online personality quizzes. “What’s Your Secret Power?”, “Which City You Belong In?”, “Which Country Should Be Your Second Home?”, “What Would You Be In A Fantasy World?” etc. I love these! Even when the results are iffy, there is always a kernel of me in there somewhere.
-Flash Questions-
Hamburger or pizza?
Pizza. Probably always pizza.
Ice cream or chips?
Does gelato count? Mint chip or stracciatella gelato any day, any time and you’ll see me smile.
Water or Woods?
Both. I love water—lakes, ponds, rivers, oceans, and seas. But I’m also up for a walk in the woods with my dog and a can of bug spray. Mosquitoes think I’m their best friend . . . trust me, I don’t want to be!
Greatest fear?
Letting someone down and never knowing that I have.
What can’t you believe?
That I get to make stuff up for a living . . . though there are definitely unicorns, mermaids, and spirits out there somewhere, don’t you think?
What’s happiness to you?
My mom’s laugh, a child’s giggle, or my dad saying: :”hot dog!”
Fun fact?
I love, love, loved playing soccer with my dog at midnight.