Yona Zeldis McDonough
Yona Zeldis McDonough is the author of 26 books for children, seven novels for adults and the editor of two essay collections. Additionally, her fiction and essays have appeared in many national and literary magazines. Her middle grade chapter book, The Doll With the Yellow Star, won the Once Upon a World Award from the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles and her biography Louisa: The Life of Louisa May Alcott, was a finalist for the Texas Bluebonnet Award. Ms. McDonough’s latest book, The Bicycle Spy, which has been made into an audio book by Scholalastic, has been called suspenseful, engrossing, and riveting.
"We were so pleased that Yona agreed to come to our school to meet with the third grade. She adeptly guided the children through the process of non-fiction biography writing. Yona not only captivated the children with the story of Mozart, but she also brought it to life by playing the actual music Mozart wrote at an early age. The music gave the book texture and compelled the children to get out of their seats and dance! Without a doubt, Yona's skill and passion for writing inspired our young readers and writers."
-- Alissa Churchill, Parent, The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine
"She's as engaging as a speaker as she is varied as an author. Yona Zeldis McDonough will entertain and enlighten your audience as she guides them through all her worlds."
-- Belle Baxter, Elwood Public Library
"Yona Zeldis McDonough writes books with wit and elegance that combine genuine characters and authentic conflicts within addictively well-written page turners. Yona is a charming, engaging presenter. I can't recommend her enough. First the Great Neck community fell in love with her writing, and then with her in person. Her appearance at the Great Neck Library was the highlight of last fall's literary events calendar!"
-- Janet Schneider, Adult Services Librarian, Great Neck Library, Co-Chair, Long Island Reads Selection Committee
For more about Yona and her works, go to http://yonazeldismcdonough.ipage.com/
Reviews of You Were Meant for Me
With a deft, sure touch, Yona Zeldis McDonough explores the ways families are formed and how love can take you by surprise. An absorbing and soul-stirring novel.
-- Christina Baker Kline, #1 NYT bestselling author of Orphan Train
Videos featuring Yona Zeldis McDonough
Storytelling: Yona Zeldis McDonough and Malcah Zeldis
