Heather E. Schwartz
Children's Author • Speaker • Workshop Facilitator

I've been writing for children's publishers since 2006, creating original books, licensed publishing, and work-for-hire projects for major publishers and brands including Disney, Sesame Street, Scholastic, Learning A–Z, Hachette Book Group, Random House Children's Books, Mayo Clinic Press Kids, Lerner Publishing Group, NASA, TIME for Kids, Sports Illustrated Kids, Discovery Kids, The Jim Henson Company, Little Golden Books, the Smithsonian, National Geographic Kids, Teacher Created Materials, PebbleGo, and PebbleGo Next.
Whether I'm writing about celebrities, beloved characters, science, social-emotional learning, or curriculum topics, I enjoy translating complex ideas into engaging, age-appropriate books that connect with young readers.
I also create live experiences through Quiet Girl Comedy, where I produce comedy, music, and interactive children's programs. Highlights of my public facing career include performing solo shows at New York City's The PIT and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, telling a story on the Modern Love podcast, and appearing as an author/expert on E! True Hollywood Story.
My work as both a writer and performer led me to create Tame Your Stage Fright!, a workshop that helps writers, illustrators, educators, and other creative professionals feel more comfortable speaking, presenting, and sharing their work. Bringing together nearly two decades in children's publishing with years of performance and improvisation experience, I enjoy helping people communicate with confidence—whether through books or from the stage.
Awards
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Junior Library Guild Selection, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2020
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NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, Winner, 2018
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Jefferson Cup Honor Book, Winner, 2018
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Cybils Finalist, Nominated, 2018
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Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Winner, 2018
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New York Public Library Best Books for Kids, Winner, 2017
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Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books, Winner, 2017
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VOYA Nonfiction Honor List, Winner, 2017
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Eureka! Honor Award, Winner, 2014
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Eureka! Gold Award, 2013
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Kansas National Education Association (NEA) Reading Circle, 2013
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Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Young Adult Top 40 Nonfiction Title, 2011
Press
School District Declines to Remove Michelle Obama Biography After Parent Complaint
People magazine, February 3, 2022
Business Insider, February 4, 2022
The U.S. Has Been Silencing Black Girls' Voices for Decades
Teen Vogue, October 7, 2019
Heather E. Schwartz Inspires Young Girls to Serve Their Nation
Wired, November 6, 2011