Liz Knowles received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University, a master's degree in Reading from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum Development and Systemic Change, also from Nova Southeastern University. She has been a teacher for over 25 years and a director of professional development and curriculum in a large PK-12 private school for over 15 years.Dr. Knowles has served as an adjunct professor, teaching graduate-level courses at both Nova Southeastern University and Florida Atlantic University. Dr.

Knowles holds certification as a Diploma Program Coordinator for the International Baccalaureate Program and current Florida certification in a number of areas. She was the Anti-Defamation League's 2009 honoree at the Eighth Annual Palm Beach Educator Awards Luncheon. Liz has recently written Curriculum and Education Plans for charter schools in Palm Beach County, Florida. She also has a cognitive training business, Cognitive Advantage: http://www.cognitiveadvantage.net.Martha Smith received her undergraduate degree in Library Science from Eastern Michigan University and a master's degree of education in Library Science from the University of South Florida. Martha has been a media specialist for over 20 years in the Pre-K through 8th grade setting.

Martha and Liz were the recipients of the International Reading Association Middle School Special Interest Group Literacy Award, 2003.Liz and Martha have presented at:* The International Reading Association's Southeast Regional Conference* The Florida Reading Association's Conference* The National Middle School Association's Annual Conference* The Ontario Library Association's Super Conference* The Florida Association of Media in Education's ConferenceOther titles by Knowles & Smith: The Common Core Approach to Building Literacy in Boys Differentiating Reading Instruction through Children's Literature Understanding Diversity through Novels & Picture Books Character Builders: Books & Activities for Character Education Boys and Literacy: Practical Strategies for Librarians, Teachers, & Parents Talk About Books! A Guide for Book Clubs, Literature Circles, & Discussion Groups Discovering Florida through Literature Reading Rules! Motivating Teens to Read The Reading Connection: Bringing Parents, Teachers, & Librarians Together.