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The ocean is an endless wonder that has shaped the progress of civilization for all of human history. Thousands of years ago, the sea retreated and exposed more than 2 million acres of dry land, enabling early man to migrate from Asia and eventually settle North and South America. Centuries later, explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan braved the waters as they searched for shorter ocean routes to new worlds. When, in 1800, all surface areas of the ocean had been explored, scientists turned their gaze to the deepest recesses of the sea, discovering thousands of species of plants and animals there. The sea remains our planet’s largest source of food, fuel, and energy, holding the very key to life for sea creatures and people alike.
Linda Susan Vieira was raised in Brooklyn, NY, and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. She spent more than 30 years as a resource specialist, master teacher, science mentor, and classroom teacher across the entire spectrum of the educational system, from kindergarten level to college.
Linda is the author of four non-fiction works for children, all of which are published by Walker & Company, New York, and are available in bookstores nationwide. Her first two books, The Ever-Living Tree, The Life and Times of a Coast Redwood and Grand Canyon, A Trail Through Time, feature the illustrations of Christopher Canyon. Her third and fourth books, The Seven Seas, Exploring The World Ocean and The Mighty Mississippi, The Life and Times of America's Greatest River, are illustrated by Higgins Bond. All four books combine science with sweeping views of history.
Linda has also published many teaching resources, including an individual student spelling dictionary, and 14 magazine and newspaper articles.
Her popular workshops in creative writing and children’s literature have inspired hundreds of teachers and students at all grade levels. Her innovative handouts and student displays simplify the planning of lessons across the curriculum. Linda specializes is bringing art and humor into everyday non-fiction writing.
Linda is regularly invited to conferences, conventions, and school districts, to present her original, innovative creative writing ideas for elementary level students. She is available for classroom author visits, professional development for teachers, and school assemblies.
Linda has 3 children and 4 grandchildren in California. She lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with her Labrador retriever, Hannah.