Joanne Mattern

Photo by James J. Mattern

Joanne Mattern is the author of many books for children. She loves writing about sports, animals, and interesting people. Mattern lives in New York State with her family.

Interview

What was your favorite book when you were a child?: Probably the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary. I was very much like Ramona in that I was very outspoken and didn’t care much what other people thought of me!
What’s your favorite line from a book?: "I shall give life here my best, and I believe it shall give its best to me in return."

—Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Who are your top three favorite authors or illustrators?: I can’t pick just three; I have many favorites!
Why did you want to become an author or illustrator?: I’ve always enjoyed telling stories. I enjoy writing nonfiction because I get to learn lots of interesting new things and hope to excite readers about all the wonderful and amazing things going on in the world.
Do you have any advice for future authors or illustrators?: Read all you can and expose yourself to information wherever you can find it. Always keep your mind open to new experiences!