PATRICIA MCCORMICK

Patricia McCormick, a two-time National Book Award finalist, is the author of five critically acclaimed novels – Never Fall Down, a novel based on the true story of an 11-year-old boy who survived the Killing Fields of Cambodia by playing music; Purple Heart, a suspenseful psychological novel that explores the killing of a 10-year-old boy in Iraq; Sold, a deeply moving account of sexual trafficking; My Brother’s Keeper, a realistic view of teenage substance abuse; and Cut, an intimate portrait of one girl’s struggle with self-injury.

McCormick grew up in central Pennsylvania, went to Catholic grade school, high school, then Rosemont College. She worked as an assistant press secretary to the Governor of Pennsylvania from 1974-78, then went to the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. McCormick worked as a reporter for daily newspapers, and went into magazine journalism where she wrote book and movie reviews. McCormick studied fiction writing at The New School in New York City and went on to publish critically acclaimed books for young adults.

Never Fall Down was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2012 and was named a New York Times Notable Book for 2012. It was also named a Best Book of the Year by iTunes, The Huffington Post, School Library Journal and the Chicago Public Library.

The Plot to Kill Hitler, about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, was published in September2, 2016 by Harper Collins, and her latest book, Sergeant Reckless, was published by Balzer + Bray in July 2017.

McCormick was named a New York Foundation on the Arts fellow in 2004 and a MacDowell fellow in 2009.  She is also the winner of the 2009 German Peace Prize for Youth Literature.

PRAISE FOR SERGEANT RECKLESS

Named a best informational book for younger readers by Chicago Public Library for 2017

“McCormick offers up her first picture book, and it's a rousing success. . . . An engaging slice of history.” — Booklist  (starred review)

"This endearing story of wartime camaraderie won’t soon be forgotten." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“McCormick excels at bringing thrilling nonfiction stories to young readers, and this picture book about the horse awarded two Purple Hearts enthralls. With cinematic art by Bruno (“Mesmerized”) bringing the big cast to life, it’s an approachable introduction to the Korean War and a heartwarming example of “the mysterious bond between humans and animals.” — The New York Times Book Review

"This intriguing historical tale of an underdog highlights the connection between animals and humans, provides a view of the dangers of the battlefield, and has a subtle feminist slant. A warm human (and horse) interest story that feels fresh off a newsreel." 
— Kirkus

"McCormick’s narrative is excellent and Brunos’s bold illustrations contribute to the story as much as the text. . . . This well-illustrated war story will appeal to many, especially fans of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse. A strong ­selection."
— School Library Journal

PRAISE FOR THE PLOT TO KILL HITLER

“Offers a lucid history of the rise of Nazi Germany and a dramatic account of one man’s resistance to evil.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“[A] tragic, inspirational, and quite unusual tale of a man who was the moral center of a resistance movement that, though it failed, continues to live on in international memory.” — Booklist (starred review)

“It’s deep stuff for children, but McCormick, who has already tackled child prostitution (“Sold”) and genocide (“Never Fall Down”), makes it work. She gracefully elucidates the major influences on Bonhoeffer’s life, stressing his moral dilemmas and his decision to ‘speak out for those who cannot speak.’” — New York Times book review

“Readers will discover how compelling a story about ideas and ideals can be.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books