About Me
My Work
I am a Fresno native. Second generation American. I graduated from CSUFresno with a BA in Liberal Studies and a teaching credential. I enjoyed teaching for nearly 30 years. Having worked in all grade levels, I found my happy place in kindergarten. Eventually my desire to further my education led to earning an MA in Reading and Language Arts and a Reading Specialist Credential. I retired from teaching several years ago, just in time to welcome grandchildren to our family.
My Community
I am a member of the Society of Childrens’ Book Writers and Authors, (SCBWI). This organization has encouraged and enriched my writing education and networking. I also participate in several critique groups.I am a member of Heritage Fresno. This city has an extremely rich history. Now I regret not recording my uncles’ stories. My first big project was to research information on the Merci Boxcar. I wrote The Mystery Hidden in a Name, based on my research. I wanted to create a story children could relate to while learning about a small part of Fresno’s history.
Join My Journey
Retiring in 2010 gave me the opportunity to spread my wings. As a kindergarten teacher, one of my greatest loves was reading picture books to my students, and watching the excitement and wonder in their eyes as characters came to life. So, retirement was the start of a new journey, becoming a picture book author. My other children’s book titles are Why So Many Rules? Twisty Green Monster, How Far is Heaven? and Remembering the California Missions and Curriculum Guide. I have a blog updated about once a week where you can find out what has been happening my writing life and my Nona life. Information is also posted on my Facebook page kathywrites4kids
Instagram kathy.gorman. Check them out when you have time.
Published Books and More
Before my first books was published I had a several articles published in the senior section of our local newspaper, The Fresno Bee.
My first published book was a curriculum guide, Remembering the California Missions: A Curriculum Guide. It became a partner book for teachers. The guide was created to give teachers everything they would need to support their students education. The curriculum guide was published by Craven Street Press under Linden Publishing in 2013.
My first two picture books were published by HBE Publishing.
How Far is Heaven? was published in 2015. This is the story of a young boy who throws kisses skyward in the hopes his grandmother will catch them. He has many questions for his mom. They talk about where Grandma is and how she got to Heaven. Mikey, the main character learns no matter how old he gets or where he goes, he will always have Grandma in his heart.
Photo Gallery
Twisty Green Monster, Published by HBE Publishing in 2017. Timmy is afraid of only one thing, the twisty green monster. It lurks outside his classrooom window, and taunts him everyday. One day with the help of Grandpa's lucky rock, Timmy conquers his fear. There is a curriculum guide based on Common Core Standards in the back of the book. Fun vocabulary and reading comprehension activities are inc
Why So Many Rules? Kiwi's story came to life through Halo Publishing International in 2021. What happens when Kiwi forgets one of her five rules? The lesson for parents is teaching their children landmarks, the name of their street, and their home address. A fun quick read with fun pictures.
My latest book, historical fiction, was published in 2021 through Halo Publishing International. The story is about a young girl whose name is Merci. She wants to know where her name comes from. This is a great history story. Although it is based on the Merci Boxcar in Fresno, Calif. there are many other states that also own one of these cars. By the way , no she wasn't named after a boxcar.