Padma Venkatraman lived in 5 countries, worked as chief scientist on oceanographic vessels, and even spent time underwater before becoming an author. Her latest novel, A TIME TO DANCE (Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin) was released to 5 starred reviews (Kirkus, Booklist, SLJ, VOYA and BCCB) and received numerous awards: ALA Notable, IRA Notable, Kirkus Best Book, NYPL Top 25, IBBY outstanding, etc. Her two earlier novels, ISLAND’S END and CLIMBING THE STAIRS, were also released to multiple (7) starred reviews, were ALA/Yalsa Best Books, Amelia Bloomer, CCBC and Booklist Editor’s Choices and won several other honors. She has spoken at Harvard and other universities; provided commencement speeches at schools; participated on panels at venues such as the PEN World Voices Festival; and been the keynote speaker at national and international conferences and literary festivals. Padma is American and lives in Rhode Island. Visit her at http://www.padmasbooks.com/ and http://www.padmasbooks.blogspot.com/