WELCOME

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Born in Brooklyn, NY, Ann Malaspina is the author of over 30 books for children and teens.  She writes about the environment, history, social justice, and people who make a difference. Her books have been honored with the Asian/Pacific American Library Association Award for Literature ( Picture Book),  Amelia Bloomer Top Ten List, Junior Library Guild Selection, SCBWI Martha Weston Grant, Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Picture Book), and more.  The daughter of an immigrant and granddaughter of a refugee, she has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When she isn't writing under a skylight in the attic, you might find her untangling cherry tomato vines at her community garden in New Jersey.  

 "A story about loyalty and friendship..."

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Free Educator's Guide to A Scarf for Keiko
A Scarf for Keiko Book Trailer
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A Scarf for Keiko
(Kar-Ben Publishing, 2019)


It's 1942, and Sam must knit socks for the American soldiers including his own brother. He almost pokes his eye out with his knitting needles. But when his neighbor Keiko offers to help him, Sam refuses to speak to her.  The U.S. is at war with Japan. Isn't Keiko the enemy? A story about loyalty and friendship during a time of war. 

"A rich source for discussion, both about outward political oppression and the inward struggle to behave honorably amid it."  - Publisher's Weekly

"A gentle and accessible story of tolerance during a war overflowing with racial and ethnic intolerance." 
​                                                      - Kirkus Reviews

"The simple illustrations echo the book’s straightforward themes: loyalty, caring and non-discrimination... This book is a perfect jumping-off point for discussion at home or in school and is highly recommended for ages 5 to 10.
                                                    - Jewish Book Council

"A thought-provoking read."      - The Jewish Chronicle
"NEVER AGAIN IS NOW"

          In 2019, as in the 1940's, people are again protesting detention camps, ​this time for asylum seekers at the U.S. Mexican  border. Japanese Americans and many others
​are saying, "Never again." 
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