Karen Cushman

Karen Cushman has a long-standing interest in history. She says, "I grew up hearing about kings, princes, generals, and presidents. I wanted to know what life was like for ordinary young people in other times." Research into medieval English history and culture led to the writing of Catherine, Called Birdy, her first book, which went on to win numerous awards, including the Newbery Honor.

Ms. Cushman was born in Chicago, Illinois. She received an M.A. in Human Behavior and one in Museum Studies. Currently she is the Assistant Director of the Museum Studies Department at John F. Kennedy University in the San Francisco Bay Area. She, her husband and daughter share their Oakland, California home with two cats, a dog, and a rabbit.