ABOUT

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Sophia Gholz is an award-winning author, art lover and magic seeker.

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As a child, Sophia was a passionate reader and artist. When not reading or drawing, she could be found at the farm riding horses or out causing mischief with her brothers.

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As an adult, Sophia is still an avid reader, art fanatic, and mischief-maker. When she’s not writing, you can find Sophia in a library, visiting schools or exploring the outdoors. 

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Sophia grew up in Florida, went to art school in California, and met her husband in Manhattan. She’s now enjoying life back in Florida with her family. 

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AWARDS & LISTS

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• Sunshine State Young Reader Jr Award Shortlist 2023-24

• North Carolina Children's Book Award Shortlist, 2023

• Cybils Awards Nominee (Fiction & Nonfiction), 2022

• Kentucky Association of School Librarians KBA Award (K-2) Shortlist, 2022-23

• South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominee, 2021-22

• Bookstagang Best of Nominee, 2021-22

• Green Earth Book Award Honor 2020

• Nile Book Award Winner 2021-22

• SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Winner, 2020

• Keystone to Reading Book Award Shortlist 2020-2021, Intermediate Books

• Florida State Book Award Gold Medal Young Children's Literature 2019-2020

• CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2020

• Eureka! Nonfiction Children's Book Honor Award, California Reading Association

• CBHL Annual Literature Award Nominee 2020

• Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award (SONWA) Winner, 2019

• Florida Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Rising Kite Award, 2018 Fiction Picture Book

• Florida Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Rising Kite Award, 2017 Nonfiction

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MORE

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Since 2017, Sophia has helped oversee The Henry L. Gholz SEEDS National Field Trip Endowment for the Ecological Society of America. SEEDS (Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability) provides opportunities for underrepresented students to participate in ecology through field trips that explore the broad range of ecological research. For more, visit: www.esa.org

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*If you are student doing a book report, see the FAQs section below.

*For a more official bio, visit the Press Kit link here.

*For interviews with Sophia, click here. 

*For writing resources or Sophia's blogs about writing, click here.

*For information on author visits, click here.

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FAQs

 

Where do you live?

I am currently based in Florida, but I've lived in California and New York. As a child, I also spent many months in Australia.

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How do you pronounce your last name?

Like the word GOALS.

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Do you have advice for anyone who wants to write?

Yes! I've written that advice on this page, HERE.

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Did you always want to be a writer?​

I always loved making up stories and escaping reality through books. I dreamed of being a writer, but was afraid to share my words for many years. So, yes, I have always wanted to be a writer. But it took me a long time to realize I didn't have to just dream about it. 

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Who was your favorite author when you were a child?

I was a huge fan of Shel Silverstein and Madeleine L'Engle. My parents also read with me and my brothers every night. I loved that time the most. We read all sorts of things from picture books to Shakespeare and everything in between. I think stories shared with friends and family are the best kinds of stories. As an adult, I am a huge fantasy fan. 

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Do you like writing fiction or nonfiction most?

In either case, they have to be a great story first. I like to write whatever story is most exciting to me in that moment, whether it's fiction or nonfiction.

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Do you ever plan to write longer books or novels?

When I began writing, I focused on longer stories. But I also love the visual aspect of picture books and distilling a story down to its bones. So, we'll see where inspiration takes me. Creativity leads the way, and I just tag along. 

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