Bio:

My Published Books

"Daughters of the Desert: Stories of Remarkable Women from Christian, Jewish & Muslim Traditions" (SkyLight Paths Publishing 2003)

"Fire in the Hole!" (Clarion 2004)



Awards:

New York Public Library Best Books for the Teenage 2006

SPUR Award for Best Juvenile Fiction about the American West 2005

Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2005

Bank Street College List Best Children’s Books 2005





Reviews:

VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)

"A compelling historical novel…both gripping and poignant...fast paced and peopled with vivid, believable characters."



Kirkus Review

“Farrell's debut follows Mick as he works the mine, engineers a rescue of his father, and finds his own path in life. Fictional newspaper articles by Mick's mentor Mr. Delaney and a good author's note contribute historical and legal context for this story of family, dreams, and an important segment of American history. (Fiction. 10-14)



Booklist
Gr. 5-8. “Based on actual events, Farrell's first novel fairly brims with details and mining history. Farrell's characters and their motivations ring true, and the ending leaves hope that things will improve not only for Mick but for everyone. A good choice for historical fiction buffs and readers studying the mining industry and labor unions.”



Idaho State Journal

“Exciting, riveting Idaho history - that’s what you’ll find in Fire in the Hole!....The novel tells the story of the violent clash between union and "scab" silver miners in northern Idaho a century ago; the appeal is strong for readers of all ages. This book definitely is one of those can't-put-it-down reads, well written, fast paced and highly informative, to boot.



"Daughters of the Desert: Stories or Remarkable Women from Christian, Jewish and Muslim Traditions" with co-authors Claire Rudolf Murphy, Meghan Nuttall Sayres, Sarah Conover, Betsy Wharton (SkyLight Paths 2003)

Publishers Weekly - “The device of using short stories to better establish these women’s characters and spiritual motivations works well and should appeal to a wide audience.”

Montreal Anglican- “At the hands of its authors there is nothing arid about the desert or the dedication of the women ‘daring, brave, thoughtful and wise.’”

WWW.Childrenslit.com- “…will be appreciated and enjoyed by young people of faith, young feminists and also by comparative religion students….”

Booklist - “An interesting way of showing how three religions spring from the same sandy landscape.”

Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter- “Recommended for middle school and above as a starting point for discussions of the role of women in religious communities.”





· Ten-years as an award-winning television and radio journalist in Seattle, WA and Spokane, WA

· Eight-years as a newspaper columnist on family topics

· Non-fiction articles published in children’s magazines

· Feature articles in local & national newspapers and national magazines

· I visit schools, I frequently present workshops and talks to both adults and children



Writer
PAL
Member since 1997
Region: Inland Northwest

Contact Information

Website:  http://www.MaryCronkFarrell.com

Published In Children's Market: Yes
Available for Speaking Engagements? Yes