Welcome to my website!


All good wishes for 2024. I would love to hear from you so be sure to contact me and send an email.

 

Susan Goldman Rubin

RECENT NEWS & EVENTS

NOV

21

Please visit me at the NCTE conference in Boston where I'll be signing The Women Who Built Hollywood at the Astra Booth #1014 on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 4 PM - 4:30 PM

And please come and hear our panel, "Girls Just Wanna. . . Make History, Create Change, Be Respected: Narrative Nonfiction to Inspire Hope and Invite Learning," on Sunday, Nov. 24 from 10:30-11:45 am in Room 252 B/Convention Center.





NOV

5

Great news! Junior Library Guild has bought Dragonflies of Glass: The Story of Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls and has given the book their Gold Standard Seal.






















OCT

21

I was excited to receive my first copy of the PJ Library edition of Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll. Some wonderful activities and discussion ideas have been added to the front and back flaps.






















OCT

3

It was thrilling to see some of Clara Driscoll's original Tiffany lamps at the New York Historical Society, especially the "Dragonfly!"


























JUL

22

Congratulations to my editor Carolyn Yoder on the 20th anniversary of her imprint, Calkins Creek. I am so proud to be one of her authors.






















MAR

6

Here are some pictures of my visit to Le Lycee de Francais of Los Angeles when I presented my book, The Women Who Built Hollywood, to the 7th graders. They were a terrific audience with many questions and comments.










































FEB

15

Great news! The CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center) recommended Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll, and The Women Who Built Hollywood: 12 Trailblazers in Front of and Behind the Camera on their best-of-the-year list!

 











JAN

31

I was delighted to receive news that my picture book Madame Alexander: the Creator of the Iconic American Doll has received PJ Library's Author Incentive Award for picture books to encourage me to consider Jewish themes in creating future books. Thank you, PJ Library!

 











JAN

25

I'm delighted to announce the launch of my audiobook version of Sing and Shout: The Mighty Voice of Paul Robeson. I hope you will enjoy listening to this marvelous presentation of the book.

Download Here











JAN

25

Here is a colorful piece about me published online in Canvas/Rebel.

Read Here











OCT

31

I was delighted to learn that The Women Who Built Hollywood: 12 Trailblazers In Front of and Behind the Camera won the 2023 Eureka! Honor Award for nonfiction children's books.

Read Here











OCT

31

Now available! Here's an interview I did for an online magazine, "Canvas Rebel."

Read Here











JULY

6

On Thursday, June 29th, I greatly enjoyed talking with author and film scholar Cari Beauchamp about my book The Women Who Built Hollywood at Zibby's Bookshop in Santa Monica.

Watch Here



















JUNE

29

On June 6th I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Gregory Wakeman at BBC Culture for a piece about the legacy of Steven Spielberg's movie Jurassic Park.

More Info











JUNE

13

Please join me at the The Huntington Library Store in Pasadena on Saturday, June 17th, where I'll be signing copies of The Quilts of Gee's Bend in celebration of Gee's Bend.

More Info











JUNE

13



Register Here


















MAY

17

I was honored to record a video interview with Children's Book World today! The link is now live for viewing.

Watch Here


















MAY

16

Today is the official Publication Date for "The Women Who Built Hollywood" and my friends over at The Nerdy Book Club published this wonderful interview with me!

Read Here


















APR

28

Here is an announcement about my upcoming book signing at Diesel, A Book Store in Brentwood, California. Hope to see you there!

Read Here


















MAR

17

Another wonderful review of my anthology, The Women Who Built Hollywood, due out on May 16th.

Read Here
And this review from Publisher's Weekly:


Attentively recounting their impact on the film industry, Rubin (Madame Alexander) centers intersectionally diverse pioneering women from 1900 to 1940, including Dorothy Emma Arzner, a queer film director; Hattie McDaniel, the first Black person to win an Academy Award; and Chinese American actor Anna May Wong. A foreword by Ruth E. Carter, the first African American to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design, praises the women discussed for their bravery and asserts that "because they dared to dream, I was able to." Rubin notes in a brief introduction that "moviemaking wasn’t taken seriously" as a lucrative opportunity, a widely held belief that allowed women to pursue jobs in film. Carefully researched chapters chronicle the highlights of each subject’s accomplishments while also providing historical context surrounding the time they lived in and how significant events—the Great Depression, Jim Crow, world wars, and widespread sickness—impacted their careers. Illuminating b&w photographs feature throughout, providing behind-the-scenes glimpses into the women’s professional lives and elevating the timely appeal of this worthy telling. A beginning note addresses era-specific language and phrases used. Extensive back matter concludes. Ages 12–up. (May)


















FEB

20

On February 16th I had the great pleasure of meeting 8th grade students at Le Lycee Francais in Los Angeles, and presenting some of my books. I had a wonderful time talking with students and answering many questions. Here are some of the pictures my hostess, the librarian took of us.






































JAN

30

I am happy to announce that the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee has designated my picture book Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll as a Notable Book of Jewish Content for 2023.

Read Here






















JAN

30

Here is a special page the wonderful people at Children's Book World in Los Angeles created for friends and fans to order personalized books!

Read Here






















JAN

30

Malibu Coast Lifestyle Magazine published a piece about local authors that included an interview with me about my book Give Us the Vote! 200 Years of Fighting for the Ballot.

Read Here






















JAN

25

I'm delighted that Barnes & Noble is offering a 25% off pre order sale from today through Friday, February 27th for my book The Women Who Built Hollywood. The coupon code is PREORDER25. Hope you enjoy the book!






















DEC

5

A friend saw my book, The Quilts of Gee's Bend, prominently displayed at the Skirball Center, where there's a quilting exhibit. I look forward to checking it out.






















DEC

5

December 3rd's Human Rights Month Book Pick is a Children/Young Adult's Non-Fiction recommendation selected by co-owner of Sundog Books, Linda White.

Read More!






















DEC

1

I will be participating in a virtual Picture Book Biographies event hosted by Books of Wonder, the New York City children's bookstore, on Saturday, December 10th at 12:00 pm Pacific time (3:00 pm EST) to promote Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll. Please join us or watch for the link.

Link Coming Soon!






















NOV

8

I was surprised and pleased to learn of the exhibit "Gee's Bend: Shared Legacy,"at the Huntington Gallery of American Art in Pasadena. The exhibition features my book, The Quilts of Gee's Bend, and will run through September 4, 2023. I hope you will check it out!

Click here for more info






















NOV

8

After speaking at the Malibu Library about my book Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll, a woman in the audience told me that as a girl she had had one of the dolls, and the next day sent me this letter and picture. I wanted to share Lauren's letter and photo of her with her "beloved" doll. Curiously, it's very similar to the cover of the book illustrated by Sarah Dvojack!

If any one else treasured a Madame Alexander doll as a child, and perhaps still has it, I would love to hear from you.
































































OCT

20

John Mariani invited me back to his radio show, "Almost Golden," to talk about my book Hot Pink: The Life & Fashions of Elsa Schiaparelli. I hope you enjoy listening!

Click here to listen






















OCT

18

Today is the "birth date" of my picture book Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll illustrated brilliantly by Sarah Dvojack. Please read the interview with me that Jena Benton posted on her blog.

Click here to listen






















OCT

4

My newest book Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll is now available for purchase on Amazon!

Click here to order!






















OCT

4

My newest book Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll is now available for purchase on Amazon!

Click here to order!






















JULY

20

Exciting to see the first copies of my new picture book Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll illustrated by Sarah Dvojack. Release date coming soon!






















APRIL

29

I had the pleasure of being a guest on John Mariani's show "Almost Golden." We spoke about Paul Robeson.

Click here to listen!






















APRIL

15

The big pink poster of Paul Robeson was hanging on the outside of the Center. Pictures 2 and 3 show Yusef Miller and me standing on either side of the poster of the cover of our book in the auditorium. Pictures 4 and 5 show me standing with bass-baritone Marvin Lowe. The 6th photo shows Marvin Lowe on the left of the poster, me on the right with Yusef Miller.




































APRIL

15

These four pictures of our event last Saturday include our fabulous moderator, historian Shirley Satterfield, seated on the left, and me on the right. In the the first 2 photos Yusef Miller (no jacket) and Marvin Lower (in a jacket) stand behind us. In the 4th and 5th pictures Dr. John Wolfe stands on the left beside Yusef Miller, and Edward Roebuck (in a light colored jacket) stands on the extreme right beside Marvin Lowe




































APRIL

15

Barbara Krasner interviewed me about Sing and Shout for her newsletter, The Sepia Chronicles, and here it is. Hope you enjoy it!

Click here to listen!






















MAR

14

I had a great time on Friday (March 11) presenting a sneak preview of my book Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll to third graders at the Brawerman Elementary School of Wilshire Boulevard Temple. The kids were great and a photo of us will follow.

Click here to buy!






















FEB

17

Yesterday I took part in a Paul Robeson Program celebrating the extraordinary life and work of this singer, actor, athlete, scholar, and activist. The program was hosted by John Frank at the Will & Ariel Durant Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. I hope you enjoy it.

Click here to watch!






















FEB

16

Here's the link to the radio show I did with John Mariani last week on Coco Chanel.

Click here to listen!






















FEB

4

Here is the announcement of the program on February 16th celebrating the life of Paul Robeson. This is a free online event so please join me!

Click here to join!






















JAN

24

I'm thrilled to announce the release of my picture book, Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll, on 10/18/22. Sarah Dvojack did the marvelous illustrations to bring the story to life.

Click here to buy!






















JAN

20

I'm thrilled to announce the audio edition of my book Mary Seacole read by Adjoa Andoh, a British actress and writer, and published by Dreamscape Media.








OCT

28

Here's the link to the radio show, "Almost Golden," that I did with John Mariani this morning. The subject this time was Maya Lin, focussing on her Vietnam Veterans Memorial since we're so close to Veterans' Day.

Click here to listen








SEPT

21

Here's the recommended "book list" that I put together for Quilts of Gee's Bend!

Click here to read








SEPT

1

Two exciting announcements: "Sing and Shout: The Mighty Voice of Paul Robeson" is on the Bank Street Collect of Education's Best Books of the Year list. and "Mary Seacole: Bound for the Battlefield" was included in Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year in the 9-12 years-old category.








JULY

9

I had a great time talking with my host, John Mariani, on his radio show "Almost Golden" live from New York on station WVOX 1460 AM. Hope you enjoy listening!

Click here to listen








FEB

18

I was so pleased to be interviewed by Anthea Gerrie for her article on the Gee's Bend quilt makers in conjunction with an exhibit of their quilts that has opened in London.

Click here to read








FEB

4

I was delighted to learn that Mary Seacole: Bound for the Battlefield is on a list of Notable Social Studies Trade Books from the Children's Book Council.

Click here to see the list!








JAN

13

I was delighted to be a guest on John Mariani's live radio show from New York, "Almost Golden," featuring guests like me who grew up in the Bronx.

Click here to listen








JAN

12

I was delighted that Karina Yan Glaser at Book Riot Kids included The Quilts of Gee's Bend on a list of her favorite picture books with quilting themes.

Click here to read it








NOV

30

The Chicago Public Library recommends "Sing and Shout: The Mighty Voice of Paul Robeson" as one of the "Best of the Best" informational books published in 2020 for kids in 4th through 8th grade.


















OCT

13

I received this lovely letter from Trevor Sterling at the Mary Seacole Trust. This is his daughter reading my book!


















SEP

30

I received a Starred review from School Library Journal for my book Mary Seacole: Bound for the Battlefield!

Click here to read it














SEP

30

I gave an interview to Roxanna Coldiron of Martha Stewart.com, which is now available online

Click here to read it














AUG

24

Here is a preview of the cover of my new book Mary Seacole: Bound for the Battlefield due out on October 13, 2020.

Click here to read the Kirkus review!



























JULY

29

LAVoyage, an online magazine, posted this interview with me.

Click here to check it out














MAY

19

I did an interview with Elizabeth Gard on my book The Quilts of Gee's Bend for her podcast program on quilting in Sept. 2019.

Click here to check it out














MAY

12

Congratulations to Barry Blitt, winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning. Barry contributed two witty cartoons for the chapter "Voting From the Grave" in my book Give Us the Vote! Over 200 Years of Fighting for the Ballot."














MAY

8

I was thrilled to receive my first hardcover copies of Sing and Shout: The Mighty Voice of Paul Robeson from Diesel, A Bookstore. Books can now be ordered! Harry Belafonte wrote a moving preface which begins, "Paul Robeson was an artist and activist whose voice could not be ignored."





MAY

7

Sing and Shout has been selected for the Children's Book Council's Hot Off the Press May 2020 showcase. The online display features new releases and is a resource for educators, parents and readers.





APR

23

Feb, 2020: Release of Give Us the Vote! Over 200 Years of Fighting for the Ballot.





APR

23

April 7, 2020: Publication of Sing and Shout: The Mighty Voice of Paul Robeson. Due to the pandemic shipping of books has been delayed. But pre-order your copy!





NOV

7

I had so much fun at Mount Notre Dame High School in Cincinnati. Thank you for choosing "Maya Lin: Thinking with Her Hands" as a common school read. Here are a few photos from my visit, and I greatly look forward to coming back soon.





AUG

6

One of my writer friends recommended me for this feature, and here it is. I hope you like the images I chose and the story I told.





Click here to check it out

JULY

22

Happy to have received this 5-star review for my Degas book!





JUN

6

My friend Amy's daughter Emily and grandson Felix enjoying my Magritte book!













APR

25

Henriette Chardak has made a documentary film about Terezin concentration camp, "The Kids and the Monster with Moustache," inspired by the book Ela Weissberger and I wrote, The Cat With the Yellow Star. The French film is available in English. The password is ENFANTSfest.

Click here to check it out

APR

19

Here is the cover of my new book, Degas, Painter of Ballerinas, that I did in conjunction with the Metropolitan Museum of Art.













APR

18

Here is an interview that I did with Deborah Kalb

Click here to check it out

APR

12

On Saturday, April 13th, I will be at the Los Angeles Festival of Books at USC, speaking about Degas, Painter of Ballerinas on a panel, "This Is How It Happened: Young Adult Nonfiction" at 11:30 am at Mudd Hall 203.

MAR

1

My book Degas, Painter of Ballerinas, done in collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will be released by Abrams on April 16, 2019. I'll be appearing at the Los Angeles Festival of Books to sign copies on April 13-14th.













FEB

14

Here are photos of Larry Brimner, Isabel Quintero and me participating in a panel discussion on nonfiction -- fake news and alternate facts-- with our moderator, Madeline Bryant, at the Los Angeles Public Library's Central Library.

The event was an annual gathering of Teacher Librarians from LAUSD high schools and Young Adult Librarians from the various branches. A full house!













NOV

8

I am so pleased that Jane Tanner has chosen The Quilts of Gee's Bend as one of the picture books recommended on her blog. Click here to check it out

NOV

1

Love a sale? Me too! This month only, my ebook Maya Lin: Thinking With Her Hands is on sale for just $1.99 across a variety of ebook retailers. Click here to check it out

OCT

17

I was thrilled and honored to see this article about me and my children's books In the fall 2018 issue of the Oberlin Alumni magazine. The editor featured the covers of my three latest titles: Maya Lin, The Quilts of Gee's Bend, and Coco Chanel. Click here to view article

JUN

20

I am delighted to announce that the 2018 Children's Literature Council of Southern California is giving me an award for Notable Contribution to the Field of Non-Fiction for my books Maya Lin: Thinking With Her Hands and The Quilts of Gee's Bend.

JUNE

14

On June 11 I was thrilled and honored to receive a gold award for Maya Lin: Thinking With Her Hands from the California Commonwealth Club. All of the winners were asked to give a short speech that was filmed and recorded in a video. Click here to view video





MAY

10

I've been named a Gold Winner in the Juvenile category of The Commonwealth Club's 87th Annual California Book Awards for Maya Lin: Thinking With Her Hands. This is truly a great honor.

APR

24

Book Q&As with Deborah Kalb has just posted a new interview with me for my book Coco Chanel!

Please use the following link to view the article: Click here

APR

20

The Bank Street College of education has named The Quilts of Gee's Bend as a Best Children's Book of the Year, 2018, and has selected the title for Outstanding Merit in its category!

APR

20

Here are some pictures of my book launch for Coco Chanel at the Brentwood Country Mart













MAR

18

Here are some pictures of my book launch for Coco Chanel at Children's Book World in Los Angeles.













MAR

14

Here are some pictures of me at the Tucson Festival of Books.

MAR

13

My book COCO CHANEL: Pearls, Perfume, and the Little Black Dress was just reviewed in Time Magazine.

Please use the following link to view the article: Click here

MAR

11

My book COCO CHANEL: Pearls, Perfume, and the Little Black Dress was just reviewed in the Wall Street Journal.

Please use the following link to view the article: Click here

FEB

23

A reporter from the California Apparel News interviewed me this week about COCO CHANEL: Pearls, Perfume, and the Little Black Dress.

Please use the following link to view the article: Click here

FEB

10

I'm pleased to announce that the PJ Library edition of Music Was IT: Young Leonard Bernstein has been released.

SEE ALL NEWS AND EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Upcoming Books, 2025

I was thrilled to receive the first copies of my book Dragonflies of Glass: The Story of Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls, gorgeously illustrated by Susanna Chapman. The book will be officially published on February 11, 2025, for Women's History Month, but can be preordered on the link below to its page on Abrams website.

 

 

VIDEO CORNER

Each month I'll post a video I love!