Website: http://www.barbaraoconnor.com Genre: Children's Books Influences: Cynthia Rylant, the South, country western music Barbara O'Connor's awards include the Parents Choice Gold and Silver Award, American Library Association Notable Books, IRA Notable Books for a Global Society, School Library Journal Best Books, and Kirkus Best Books. Her books have been nominated for children's choice awards in 38 states and voted as a state favorite by children in South Carolina, Indiana, Kansas, and South Dakota. Barbara was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She draws on her Southern roots to write award-winning books for children in grades 3 to 6. She currently lives in Asheville, NC. Her latest book is Wish, a middle grade novel published by FSG. Less