Marybeth Lorbiecki

Marybeth Lorbiecki has a deep love of history, literature, and the ecological and natural sciences. That is why she has been so drawn to the works of Aldo Leopold and the many brave, hardworking, innovative conservation scientists and citizens. Restoration ecology and agriculture are some of her favorite subjects.

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Multicultural topics and interactions also draw Lorbiecki. When she was young, she was awarded an International Rotarian Scholarship, where she pursued post-graduate work in philosophy at the University of Essex, England. There she had the pleasure and challenges of living in an international residence hall with thirteen other graduate women from around the world in varied professional fields. They had invigorating discussions over tea. She expands those discussions through the book explorations and projects. She was twice honored with the prestigious "Living the Dream" Award for her children's books on multicultural subjects by the Manhattan Country School in New York City where the students select their favorite book of the year for bringing to life Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision.

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Lorbiecki has been recognized for her work in numerous other ways, including the following awards:

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Adult Books

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• Minnesota Book Award, Adult Biography and History

• Distinguished Service to History Award, State Historical Society of Wisconsin

• Independent Publishers Book Award

• Benjamin Franklin Award, Publishers Marketing Association

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Children's Books

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• Wisconsin Children's Book Author of the Year 2008, selected by the Wisconsin Library Association

• 2104 Mom's Choice Gold Medal Award Winner for Animal/Nature Books

• Chicago Tribune Pick of the Lists

• Boston Globe Pick of the Lists

• Science Books and Films List of Best Children's Books

• John Burrough's Award for Young Readers

• Parents Choice Award

• Children's Choice List

• New York Public Library Pick of the Lists

• Best of Show from Midwest Independent Publisher Association

• Pick of the Lists by the American Library Association

• Teachers’ Choice, Learner Magazine

• Storytellers World Award

• IRA Best Books of the Year (starred)

• Notable Social Studies Trade Books

• Bank Street College Children's Books of the Year (twice)

• New York Public Library Notable Trade Book for Young People in Social Studies, in Literary Arts

• ABA Kids' Pick of the Lists

• Junior Literary Guild

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General

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• Director of Interfaith Oceans

• Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, Opus School, University of St. Thomas

• International Rotarian Scholarship

• Postgraduate Work in Philosophy, University of Essex

• M.A. in World Literature and Teaching Writing, Mankato State University, Minnesota

• B.A. in English, with concentrations in journalism and theology, College of St. Catherine

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