Lora Stead creates stories to bring joy to children and their people. Lora writes contemporary middle grade fiction and picture books, anticipating her forthcoming debut Where Daddy Is (Atheneum, 2029). Her background as a certified 1st – 8th grade teacher with over a decade of classroom experience informs her writing. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Humanities—with an Italian minor—and a master’s degree in Second Language Teaching that’s allowed her to work with students from around the world. Lora completed a creative writing program through Oxford University and currently heads up the Southern Utah Chapter of SCBWI. Other professional memberships include 12x12, Inked Voices, and the Utah League of Writers. Lora loves Bikram yoga, the Rocky Mountains, and board game nights. She lives near Zion National Park with her husband, three littles, and a calico cat. Lora is thrilled to be agented by Joyce Sweeney.