Pearson: - P. O'Connell Pearson has always taught history, first in the high school classroom and then as a curriculum writer and editor across grade levels. Ready to share her enthusiasm for stories of the past in a new way, she earned an MFA in writing for young people from Lesley University and now writes historical fiction nonfiction for ages ten and up. Her books have been recognized by Bank Street Books, the National Council for the Social Studies, the New-York Historical Society, Arizona Library Association, and more. When Pearson is not writing about history, she can often be found talking about history as a volunteer with the National Park Service in Washington, DC.