Ann Braden writes books about kids trying to stand up for themselves even when it’s hard. Her middle grade novels The Benefits of Being an Octopus and Flight of the Puffin have earned widespread recognition, including NPR’s Best Books, Cybil Award finalist, and being named to over a dozen state lists. Ann founded the Local Love Brigade, which sends love postcards to those who are facing hate. She also founded GunSenseVT, a grassroots group focused on championing the common ground on the issue of guns in Vermont, which helped pass landmark gun violence prevention legislation. Previously a middle school teacher, Ann lives in southern Vermont with her husband, two kids, and two insatiable cats. Her next middle grade book, Opinions and Opossums, will be published by Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House in May 2023.
