About the Author

Jenifer Garlitz grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. She is refreshed spending time in the Appalachian Forest of southwestern Pennsylvania every summer. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in reading and literacy. She has worked for over ten years as a reading teacher and a reading specialist. Presently, she lives in Joliet, Illinois, with her husband and teenage son. In addition to working as a reading specialist at Creekside School in Plainfield, Illinois, she leads an Environment Club for fifth grade students at her school. Besides her work, she enjoys gardening, biking, reading, and visiting with her therapy dog.