A familiar presence in the world of children's literature and the author of several books for educators, Monica contributes to a variety of publications including the New York Times Book Review and the Horn Book Magazine in addition to blogging at educating alice . She has helped select the winners of several awards including the Newbery and originated and co-ran School Library Journal's Battle of the Kids' Books. A committed educator, Monica began her teaching career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone and currently teaches fourth grade at the Dalton School in New York City. Africa is My Home: A Child on the Amistad is her first book for children.