Hello Friends and Readers! Thanks for visiting my website.
Writing is always an adventure. I have been a full time writer for over 40 years and published over 100 books with over 6 million sold. But before I became a writer, I was involved with politics. I worked for Senator Robert Kennedy in 1968 when he ran for President. It was a tragic time when the campaign was cut short when he was assassinated. History was never boring to me. I realized even when I was young, that we all are living through history. In my two latest books, I wrote with History Professor Andrea Balis at John Jay College, and we realized that we had always wanted to be a "Fly on the Wall" to history.
Our newest book, A Junior Literary Guild Selection, will be out April 2024.
Kirkus Starred Review January 19, 2024
A scorcher that exposes shameful attitudes, personalities, and events that might seem eerily familiar.
Andrea and I met in the 1970's doing theater together. In 2019, we reunited and collaborated on a book about The Watergate Scandal.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
“...This valuable book reminds us that we can learn from the lessons of history and so avoid reprising the dark days of this national nightmare.” -- Booklist, STARRED
"When people hear about scandals, they often say, ‘I wish I had been a fly on the wall.’” The resultant narration, set into a spacious, line-drawing-illustrated layout navigates the waves of cynicism and satire while keeping a weather eye on current events.” -- Bulletin of Children’s Book Council, American Library Association.
"The book’s unbiased presentation is refreshing. Its focus on the human aspects of Watergate, equally so. Ultimately, Balis and Levy walk readers through the scandal with expertise. A compelling book that deserves to be on the shelf." -- School Library Journal
CLICK HERE TO VISIT MY BOOKS PAGE!
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AMBER BROWN HORSES AROUND IS A BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB AND JUNIOR LITERARY CLUB SELECTION FOR 2014.
Watch this video of Bruce and me talking about our great friend, Paula Danziger, and how we came to continue the Amber Brown series.
I can't remember when I've had so much fun writing a book. I've always loved horses and summer camp. I also love my co-author Bruce Coville and my late friend Paula Danziger, the original author and creator of the Amber Brown series. It was a blast brewing them all together. To sharpen my horse sense, I volunteered at the New York Therapeutic Riding Center, Equistria, teaching children with disabilities how to ride. The book also features a new character, Amber's counselor Carrie from Kiev. The real Carrie Danziger is a teacher in Kiev, Ukraine. Carrie is Paula's niece and the original inspiration for Amber. Since Carrie was also a teacher in Alexandria Egpyt during the Arab Spring, she has quite a few of her own adventures to report.
Alexandria Library, Liz, Bruce Coville, Kathy Coville and Carrie Danziger
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Reviews for Amber's Return:
Amber Brown makes an exuberant reappearance in this installment, written by two close friends of the late author. Coville and Levy don’t miss a beat as they channel the voice of Danziger’s funny, acerbic, and pun-loving heroine. Throughout the story, happiness and sadness are closely entwined for nine-year-old Amber. - Publishers Weekly (click for full review)
Amber Brown fans will rejoice; against all odds, their favorite protagonist is back. After Paula Danziger passed away in 2004, it looked like readers would never find out how things would work out for Amber….Through the efforts of two of Danziger's author friends, Amber has returned, with her funny, often slightly ironic, first-person voice that perfectly captures the tribulations and triumphs of the middle-grade years. - Kirkus (click for full review)
Amber’s original voice rings true, delivering plenty of wordplay and hilarious, wide-eyed observations….This lovable nine-year-old will appeal to current Amber Brown fans and undoubtedly recruit new ones. - School LIbrary Journal, October, 2012. Balkin Buddies Blog (click this link for full review)
A special thanks to Catherine Balkin, who brings authors and schools together and who arranges my author vistis. Over at Balkin Buddies they help spread the word about their authors' new books. Please check out her blog when you get a chance -- http://balkinbuddies.blogspot.com/
Paula Danzinger was one of my best friends. Paula and I could always make each other laugh. We both loved kids, bad puns, heart to heart talks about life, loss, love and families and how to survive them. Bruce Coville, the great author of over 100 books (between us that now makes nearly 200) was Paula’s other ‘best’ friend.
Now Bruce and I are continuing Amber’s adventures in her wonderful tradition of bad puns, heartfelt friendships and honesty. And the original Amber, Carrie Danziger, has also added her thoughts on being Amber.
The series will continue with new books by the two of us in 2013, and 2014. In fact, Bruce and I just finished Amber Brown Moves On (to be published in 2013)
Press Links
School Library Journal Interview
Interview: JLG’s Susan Marston Talks About the Hottest Upcoming Books for Fall 2012
The Top 21 Middle-Grade Books for September 2012
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“When two veterans such as Levy and Gerstein join forces, it's clear the result is going to be good, and with its intriguing high-seas locale, this new mystery series doesn't disappoint. A smart heroine, a cute boy, and a mystery…..make this right on target for a middle-grade audience. And with Caldecott Medalist Gerstein behind the expressive double-page illustrations, you can be sure the artwork is of a higher caliber than is found in most series fiction. Anchors away!" - Booklist, October 2010
"This high-seas mystery takes the reader through 148 pages of mayhem and adventure....Mystery, intrigue and a healthy dose of fun takes you from sea to shore and back...we can easily see Danger & Diomonds (leap) to the top of our list for mystery-loving tweens and any family who wants to get their kids excited about and upcoming cruise." The Lollipop Road, A Family Friendly Travel Blog, Randy Poisson, author of Cruising with Kids.
Max, Philip, Lady Windermere and Philippa edited by Mordicai Gerstein 
Buddy, Liz and Max
