Win a 30-min AMA with Executive Editor at Scholastic Inc. (Acorn & Branches) Katie Carella. Ask her anything about her experiences around publishing, teaching, or books! She's worked in children's editorial for over 14 years. Earlier in her career, she worked on the adult side of publishing-in marketing, and then in publicity. In addition, she's taught first through third grades in both public and private school settings. So there's plenty you can chat with her about!

Katie Carella oversees Scholastic's Acorn early reader and Branches early chapter book lines. She has worked in publishing for almost twenty years. Her career began in marketing and publicity on the adult side of publishing. Then she earned her master's degree in elementary education from the University of Pennsylvania, and taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades-all before entering children's editorial. During Katie's time as a teacher (2005-2007), she saw how much her newly independent readers craved complex stories and yet how few quality books there were on their reading level. Since then, she has been on a mission to deliver page-turning books to hook new readers! Outside of work, Katie can be found reading for fun, doing crossword puzzles, crocheting misshapen blankets, or traveling someplace by train.

Image: A headshot of Katie Carella.