Jennifer Armstrong

Photo © 2003 Tom Stock, Stock Studios Photography

“Why do I write historical fiction? Johnny Tremain, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Island of the Blue Dolphins—that’s why. I'll never forget how it felt to read those books. I want to write books with the same power to transport readers into another time and place.”—Jennifer Armstrong

Jennifer Armstrong is the winner of the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World. Many of her books have been designated as Notable Books by the American Library Association and the International Reading Association.
Ever since the first grade, Jennifer Armstrong knew that she would become an author. She loved making up stories and sharing them with others. Her family treasured books and this led her to become an avid reader of all types of fiction. It was no surprise when she chose to study English and American literature at Smith College in Massachusetts.

Armstrong is the author of over 50 books for children from kindergarten through high school. Best known for writing historical fiction, she has also been successful in creating picture books, easy readers, chapter books, young adult novels, as well as nonfiction.

Armstrong, who grew up outside of New York City, now lives in Saratoga Springs, New York.

For more information on Jennifer Armstrong, visit her website at www.jennifer-armstrong.com, or read her blog at www.jennifer-armstrong.blogspot.com.

Author Bookshelf
		The American Story: 100 True Tales from American History Written by Jennifer Armstrong Illustrated by Roger Roth Hardcover This magnificent treasury tells the story of America through 100 true tales. Some are tales of triumph—the midnight ride of Paul Revere, the Wright brothers taking to the air, Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon. Some are tales of tragedy—the fate of the Donner party, the great fire in Chicago... Read More
		The American Story: 100 True Tales from American History Written by Jennifer Armstrong Illustrated by Roger Roth Hardcover Library Binding This magnificent treasury tells the story of America through 100 true tales. Some are tales of triumph—the midnight ride of Paul Revere, the Wright brothers taking to the air, Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon. Some are tales of tragedy—the fate of the Donner party, the great fire in Chicago... Read More
		Becoming Mary Mehan Written by Jennifer Armstrong eBook Jennifer Armstrong’s two masterful novels about Mary Mehan are now together in one volume. Set against the pivotal events of the American Civil War, The Dreams of Mairhe Mehan depicts an Irish immigrant girl and her family, struggling to find their place in a country at war with itself. In a... Read More
		Black-Eyed Susan Written by Jennifer Armstrong Trade Paperback A lyrical novel about a day in the life of a young pioneer girl growing up on the Dakota prairie is now available in a Knopf Paperback edition. This widely praised and beautifully crafted tale deftly evokes the vast expanse of the American West, the hardships faced by pioneer families, and... Read More
		Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat Written by Jennifer Armstrong Trade Paperback Mary GrandPré’s debut picture book returns! * “HIN YU MIN is nearly done in by her own haughtiness after she spurns the kindness of her neighbors. Encountering a cat catching fish with a graceful flick of its tail, she eagerly offers the creature a home in exchange for food. Complacent once again... Read More
		Chin Yu Min and the Ginger Cat Written by Jennifer Armstrong Hardcover Library Binding Mary GrandPré’s debut picture book returns! * “HIN YU MIN is nearly done in by her own haughtiness after she spurns the kindness of her neighbors. Encountering a cat catching fish with a graceful flick of its tail, she eagerly offers the creature a home in exchange for food. Complacent once again... Read More
		Shattered Written by Jennifer Armstrong Paperback As bullets ring and bombs are dropped, children watch—mostly from the sidelines, but occasionally in the direct line of fire. Unaware of the political issues or power struggles behind the battle, all they know are the human, emotional consequences of this thing called war. This collection examines all of war’s implications... Read More
		Shattered Written by Jennifer Armstrong eBook As bullets ring and bombs are dropped, children watch—mostly from the sidelines, but occasionally in the direct line of fire. Unaware of the political issues or power struggles behind the battle, all they know are the human, emotional consequences of this thing called war. This collection examines all of war’s implications... Read More
		Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World Written by Jennifer Armstrong Trade Paperback The harrowing story of the ill-fated Endurance, now in paperback. In August 1914, Ernest Shackleton and 27 men sailed from England in an attempt to become the first team of explorers to cross Antarctica from one side to the other. Five months later and still 100 miles from land, their ship, Endurance... Read More
		The Snowball Written by Jennifer Armstrong Illustrated by Jean Pidgeon Trade Paperback Illustrated in full color. Watch out below! Here comes a giant snowball tumbling down a hill, picking up everything--and everybody--in its path!   Read More
		Sunshine, Moonshine Written by Jennifer Armstrong Trade Paperback The sun and the moon shine down on a young boy as he spends a day by the sea. "Sun shines on the mountains, sun shines on the sea. Sun shines on my pillow, and says wake up to me."   Read More
		What a Song Can Do Written by Jennifer Armstrong eBook This compelling collection of stories explores the powerful impact that music has in our lives—especially in the lives of teens. Each story strikes a new note: Ron Koertge introduces us to the boys in the band—the marching band; Joseph Bruchac contributes a Native American boy with no rhythm whatsoever; Jennifer Armstrong... Read More
		In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer Written by Irene Opdyke As told to Jennifer Armstrong Paperback IRENE GUT WAS just 17 in 1939, when the Germans and Russians devoured her native Poland. Just a girl, really. But a girl who saw evil and chose to defy it. “No matter how many Holocaust stories one has read, this one is a must, for its impact is so powerful.”—School Library... Read More
		In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer Written by Irene Opdyke As told to Jennifer Armstrong eBook IRENE GUT WAS just 17 in 1939, when the Germans and Russians devoured her native Poland. Just a girl, really. But a girl who saw evil and chose to defy it. “No matter how many Holocaust stories one has read, this one is a must, for its impact is so powerful.”—School Library... Read More