[close] In June of 2007, my first young adult novel SONGS FOR A TEENAGE NOMAD was published by Hip Pocket Press. The book won the 2007 London Book Festival in the teenage category and was featured at the 2007 APLUS conference of personalized learning schools. It was also selected as a 2007 USA Book News Best Books Finalist in the teenage category and as a book club book for AzTeen magazine's Jan/Feb 2008 issue.

The book was named the winner for the 2008 Ben Franklin Awards: Best New Voice in YA Fiction and given the silver medal for the 2008 IPPY Awards in YA Fiction. It also was named the winner of the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards: YA Fiction.

I was thrilled with the 5 star review from Teensreadtoo.com which gave Songs for a Teenage Nomad five stars and wrote:
“SONGS FOR A TEENAGE NOMAD is a wonderful book. It is a high school classic reminiscent of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, only it is more appropriate for a slightly younger audience. Calle is a wonderful character and, as the reader, you want her to succeed in all areas of her life.” – Becca Boland

I have curriculum that is available for the novel on my website at www.kimculbertson.com as well as information about writing workshops I teach. I have been touring with the book through California, Washington, Arizona and Hawaii and have had great response from teachers, students and librarians. At a recent visit to a Sausalito, CA school the librarian said: “My readers devoured the book – read it in one sitting and totally recommended it to me. I was encouraged by the level of your prose – not dumbed down like some YA fiction. I look forward to future books….thanks for inspiring the students.” --Marybeth Colman, librarian, The Marin School, Sausalito, CA.

I have taught high school English, Creative Writing and drama for over ten years in both public and private schools. Currently, I work at Forest Charter School, a progressive personalized learning program. Throughout my teaching, I have also worked privately as a college advisor, workshop teacher, and educational consultant. I have written short fiction for Cicada as well as published poems in various online publications. I see my writing as an extension of my teaching. I live in the Northern California foothills with my husband and daughter, where I loves to drink coffee and look at the clouds.

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