Shari Becker

 

Shari is the author of the acclaimed young adult novel The Stellow Project, picture books, Horris Grows Down and Maxwell’s Mountain, and her most recent book, which she co-authored, Sprouting Wings. Shari has an MA from New York University and has worked for Nickelodeon, for Disney-owned companies, and even for an Emmy Award–winning puppeteer. She is the founder of Whale Rock Literary Workshops.

Shari’s honors include books that have been named: Junior Library Guild Selections, Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book, Bank Street Best Books: Outstanding Merit, Children’s Book Council Notable Social Studies Book for Young People, Golden Kite Finalist, and a starred School Library Journal Review.

 
 

Books

Sprouting Wings

James Herman Banning always dreamed of touching the sky. But how could a farm boy from Oklahoma find a plane? And how would he learn to fly it? None of the other pilots looked like him. Despite the challenges and prejudices that stood in his way, James knew he belonged above the clouds.

In a journey that would span 3,300 miles, take twenty-one days, and inspire a nation, James Herman Banning proved that you can't put barriers on dreams. Louisa Jaggar incorporates over seven years of research, including Banning's own writings and an interview with the aviator's great-nephew. She teams up with cowriter Shari Becker and award-winning illustrator Floyd Cooper to capture Banning's historic flight across the United States.

 

Maxwell’s Mountain

When he spies the BIG hill—make that a mountain!—in his neighborhood park, Maxwell is determined to climb all the way to the top. He has everything a true outdoorsman needs: climbing gear, a map, a first-aid kit, water, snacks, and his trusty toy soldier, Harry, by his side. But when Maxwell loses the trail, he must rely on his smarts to get back on track.

 

The Stellow Project

When a killer storm unexpectedly hits Manhattan, seventeen-year-old Lilah Stellow’s dad insists that she and her younger sister, Flori, take refuge at their cabin in the mountains. But instead of joining them with the experimental drug that keeps Lilah alive, he disappears just as news reports name him as a prime suspect in an act of ecoterrorism.

As days pass without her medicine, Lilah finds herself teetering on the edge, caring for her sister, and growing increasingly certain they’re being watched. In her search for answers, Lilah is thrown into the center of a mystery involving an off-the-grid research facility and finds herself drawn in by Daniel, an intriguing boy who is the son of the lead scientist. As she dares to seek answers, Lilah slowly realizes that even the best intentions can go horribly wrong.

 

Horris Grows Down

Horris is only four years old, but he already knows all about being grown up. He’s such a BIG little boy that his astounded parents decide he should get a job. So every morning he puts on a bow tie and rides his trike to the box factory where he works.

Horris likes his job, but he’s not sure he’s cut out to be a grown-up. He hates coffee, he can’t use sharp knives, and he can barely count past ten. When he sees what most kids do for a living, he wonders if he should just go back to acting his age!