Joy Hakim

Joy Hakim is the author of the American history series, A History of US. As she herself puts it, "Mine are storyteller's books", and this is evident in her work as she weaves factual information into a storylike telling of the American people's history. Hakim first became interested in history curricula as a parent dissatisfied with her children's history education at school. A former newspaper journalist and teacher, Hakim knew that she was equal to the task, and began to formulate her own history series. Her main goal is to inspire a love of reading, a skill that she views as imperative in the 21st century. Hakim says, "To find a story in a subject is to discover its essence. If we can get our children to write story-centered nonfiction, they'll have to research, do some critical thinking, and organize and use their thoughts." These beliefs are the foundation for her history books, as well as her newly created The Story of Science, an exploration of the scientific ideas behind our modern day information.

Joy Hakim was raised in Rutland, Vermont. She graduated from Smith College with a bachelor's degree in government, before going on to receive a master's from Goucher College in education. Hakim is also the recipient of a honorary doctorate from Goucher College. She has worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, and has taught all levels of school in New York, Nebraska, and Virginia. Hakim has three children and five grandchildren with her husband, with whom she lives in Colorado.