Mélina Mangal is the author of five biographies for youth, including The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just, winner of the Carter G. Woodson Award. Working at the intersection of nature, literature, and culture, Mélina’s writing highlights youth whose voices are rarely heard, and the people and places that inspire them to explore their world. Her picture books, Jayden’s Impossible Garden, and the forthcoming Jayden’s Secret Ingredient, focus on finding nature and creating community. Mélina also works as a school library media teacher in Minnesota and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Visit her online at melinamangal.com.