Science Educator and Children's Author
KATIE SLIVENSKY
ABOUT KATIE
Katie Slivensky is the critically acclaimed author of two action-packed middle grade sci-fi novels (The Countdown Conspiracy and The Seismic Seven) and two natural-history-themed picture books (This Wolf Was Different, with illustrator Hannah Salyer, and I, Rock: A Geology Tale, with illustrator Steph Stilwell). She is a professional science educator and enthusiast who has worked in zoos and museums since age 11. Her love of learning has resulted in a lifetime of adventures, including helping separate fighting rhinos, falling down a cliff in search of fossils, flying an astronaut through the solar system (the astronaut was real, the solar system was a simulation), raising a stranded baby mouse, creating million-volt lightning bolts, and handling feisty alligators. She is a firm believer that science and adventure are for everyone, and that kids have a lot to teach adults about how to take care of our world.
Katie grew up in Michigan and currently lives just outside Boston with her family, including her dear little cat, Darwin. She has science degrees from the University of Michigan and Stony Brook University. She is represented by Ammi-Joan Paquette of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Pronouns: They/She.
A statement from Katie concerning current events.
Times are hard and painful. Especially for so many of our world's children.
As a children's author, I am on the side of the children. All children.
Children have the right to safety, family, love, play, joy, learning about their world, and finding who they are.
In these times, when so many different horrid people threaten children's hopes, happiness, families, futures, and even their very lives, this is something that needs to be said.
I am on the side of the children, and always will be.
I am, at the moment, committed to several efforts to help the children of my community and of this world. And I am always looking for additional ways to help.
If you know of any child (any age) who needs a positive boost and there is anything I can do to help -- a letter, a book, anything -- please reach out. So many are hurting right now. I wish I could help them all. I will help all I can.
Choose good. Choose love. Choose the children.
My statement on AI.
I do not use AI for anything I create and do not give permission for anyone to use my writing, photographs, documents, or anything I have created for, in, or with AI for any reason, whatsoever.
I believe AI is morally wrong. It poisons people and the environment, it gives incorrect information as if fact (which brings harm to so many), it steals from writers, artists, scientists, and all of us, and it can truly lead people astray in dangerous ways. It is not a fun tool without consequence. It lines the pockets of the super rich and robs users of their ability to learn and think for themselves.
As a writer, I know the value of outlining, drafting, and rewriting. AI tries to lure you into skipping these steps, which only makes it so that you never arrive at an original thought. Creation doesn't come from just having a good idea. It comes from the act of creating. Don't let AI take that from you.
I will never use AI, and I implore my readers, young and old, to never use AI, either.
Where else to find Katie:
THIS WOLF WAS DIFFERENT Interview - Book Magic Now from Books, Marketing, and More
Katie at her current home desk, with her cat, Darwin, on her lap.
Katie (age 14) and friend. Lansing, MI.
Headshot of Katie, by Carolyn Nishon.