Nancy Churnin bridges historical scholarship and children's education through award-winning biographies that emphasize social justice and inclusion. Based in Dallas, her work for publishers including Albert Whitman & Company and Beaming Books has earned recognition from the National Jewish Book Awards, Sydney Taylor Book Awards, and Texas Library Association.
"Churnin's work doesn't just tell stories - it creates activists." - School Library Journal
We observe Nancy Churnin's remarkable transition from arts journalist to award-winning children's author as a masterclass in purpose-driven storytelling. Her 13-year tenure as theater critic for The Dallas Morning News (2006-2019) laid the foundation for narrative precision, while her subsequent pivot to children's literature demonstrates a commitment to social impact through education.
This 2021 Sydney Taylor Honor Book reconstructs Eliza Davis's campaign against antisemitism in Charles Dickens' work through meticulously researched correspondence. Churnin's narrative reveals how Davis' letters prompted Dickens to revise Oliver Twist, transforming Fagin from caricature to complex character. The book's accompanying educational program with London's Charles Dickens Museum has reached over 15,000 students, teaching literary analysis through historical activism.
"Words can transform, and this gorgeously written and illustrated picture book illuminates the importance of speaking up." - Liza Wiemer, Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle
Churnin's 2024 release demonstrates her ability to translate current events into age-appropriate narratives. Documenting a Massachusetts community's response to anti-LGBTQ+ vandalism, the book provides concrete examples of allyship through children's perspectives. Its Bingo activism toolkit has been adopted by 32 school districts, blending social-emotional learning with civic engagement.
The 2016 debut that launched Churnin's career remains her most internationally recognized work, translated into Japanese, Korean, and Swedish. By framing Hoy's development of baseball hand signals as disability innovation, Churnin reframes historical narratives around inclusion. The book's ongoing Hall of Fame campaign has generated over 4,000 student letters to Cooperstown.
Churnin prioritizes stories where personal identity intersects with societal change, as seen in her profiles of Henrietta Szold (Jewish philanthropy) and Irving Berlin (immigrant contributions to American culture). Successful pitches should emphasize:
Her books' teacher guides demonstrate demand for cross-curricular applications. Effective outreach might include:
The oldest Jewish literary award in North America recognized Dear Mr. Dickens for its innovative approach to combating antisemitism through children's literature. This places Churnin alongside laureates like Art Spiegelman and Elie Wiesel in making complex historical issues accessible to young readers.
Administered by the Association of Jewish Libraries, this accolade confirms Churnin's ability to balance literary merit with cultural authenticity. Her back-to-back honors (2021 Notable, 2022 Honor) demonstrate consistent excellence in Jewish-themed storytelling.
The William Hoy Story's inclusion in this early literacy program underscores Churnin's crossover appeal between educational and trade publishing spheres. With 87% of Texas elementary schools using her guides, she maintains strong institutional partnerships.
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