Steve Sheinkin

A former history textbook writer, Steve Sheinkin is now making amends by writing true stories that kids and teens actually want to read. His nonfiction books include Fallout, Bomb, Undefeated, The Port Chicago 50, Most Dangerous, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, Lincoln's Grave Robbers, Born To Fly, and his newest title, Impossible Escape. Steve’s accolades include a Newbery Honor, three Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards, a Sibert Medal and Honor, and three National Book Award finalist honors. Steve lives with his family in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Steve's Process ​

Watch the interview with Steve Sheinkin to learn more about his inspiration, process, and research for writing Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe. In the recording, you can hear Steve discuss:
  • How he found his topic (Timestamp: 00:00:54.470 --> 00:02:25.679) 
  • His research process (00:04:50.070 --> 00:09:01.420) including a specific trip he made to Poland following the path of Rudy Vrba (00:15:12.010 --> 00:21:42.120) 
  • The details he wishes he could find when researching to build scenes in his nonfiction narrative (00:10:16.700 --> 00:14:08.209)
  • How he punctuates narration with exposition, to build a story and provide a larger context for his readers (00:22:36.190 -->  00:27:47.800) 
  • When he chooses to be a visible author (00:31:56.540 --> 00:34:36.670) and 00:35:19.090 --> 00:37:45.270

Steve's Books

Other Interviews and Resources about Steve