About Sara
Fun Facts:
- I cannot stand still when I brush my teeth.
- My older brother and sister entered me as a Pet Nuisance in our town’s Fourth of July parade. I won an honorable mention.
- My first taste of publishing success came in 8th grade, when my letter to the editor ran in our local newspaper.
- In high school I was a band kid. I played flute, piccolo, saxophone, and (briefly) tuba.
- I dreamed of becoming a teacher and a writer…and became both!
- I have twin boys, who were once cute and adorable and are now big and hairy.
- My favorite food is cheesecake.
Short Biography:
Sara’s debut middle grade novel, Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign, is everything Sara loves—a heartfelt friendship tale, a scientific exploration, and a call for compassion. Sara also writes picture books, as well as magazine articles and educational nonfiction for kids. A former classroom teacher, she currently tutors kindergarteners through high schoolers. Sara is a passionate volunteer and works to turn the tide on climate change and political polarization. Visit her at www.sarafshacter.com.
Long Biography:
For Sara, there is nothing more joyful than writing for kids. Children’s literature is steeped in kindness, empathy, wonder, and hope. (And often silliness!) She believes it is a great gift⎯and profound responsibility⎯to write for the best audience ever.
Sara began her career in children’s publishing as a contributing editor for the nonfiction magazine ASK. Since then, she has written articles for ASK, Click, Highlights for Children, and YES Mag: Canada’s Science Magazine for Kids. She made her fiction debut with the picture book Heading to the Wedding (Red Rock Press). Just So Willow followed (Sterling/Union Square). Her debut middle grade novel⎯Georgia Watson and the 99 Percent Campaign⎯came out in October of 2025 (Regal House Publishing/Fitzroy Books).
As a teacher, Sara enjoys educational publishing as well. She contributed articles to two of World Book’s Childcraft Annuals and served as a copy editor for one. In addition, she co-authored three teacher’s guides for Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry.
Her personal narratives have appeared in Chicago Parent Magazine as well as in three anthologies: Twins and More; Thanks, Dad; and My First Year in the Classroom.
Sara spent nine years as Assistant Regional Advisor for the Illinois chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and is still an active member. She is also a member of the Author’s Guild and the Society of Midland Authors. She holds a B.A. from Tufts University in English and psychology, as well as an M.S. from Northwestern University in Education and Social Policy. Sara lives in Chicago. Visit her at www.sarafshacter.com.
Downloadable Headshots
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