Mary Amato is an award-winning children's and YA book author, poet, playwright, teaching artist, and songwriter. Her books have been translated into foreign languages, optioned for television, produced onstage, and have won the children’s choice awards in Ohio, Minnesota, Utah, and Arizona.

Amato started writing at the age of seven when her mother handed her a little spiral notebook and encouraged her to keep a journal. Her favorite childhood books were Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. She enjoys connecting with readers and conducts numerous workshops on writing, music, art, and the creative process across the country.

Besides focusing on creative writing, Mary is involved in teaching songwriting, ukulele, story inventing, shadow puppetry, art, and more, leading workshops and retreats for all ages. Her multidisciplinary approach has made her a beloved figure in arts education. Her music, often inspired by STEM metaphors, can be found on SoundCloud.

In her career, Amato has been recognized with numerous awards and grants including the MLA’s William G. Wilson Maryland Author Award, The Beehive Book Award, and the Maud Hart Lovelace Award, among others. She holds advanced degrees from Johns Hopkins University and Indiana University.

Mary Amato is represented by The Gallt Zacker Literary Agency and currently resides in New Jersey, where she continues to inspire young minds and adults alike through her teaching and creative endeavors.