Katherine M. Scraper works as an instructor for the “Writing for Children and Teenagers” course with The Institute of Children's Literature. In addition, she is a full-time writer and editor and has written more than 180 publications for teachers, parents, and children. Her book Horsing Around won 2nd place in the Elementary School Publishing division of the 2002 Annual New York Book Show. During her 13 years as an elementary school teacher, Katherine was recognized as the 2000 Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year.