Valerie Ryan

Author, Special Education & Literature teacher

I have spent more than 40 years teaching and learning — and I’ve discovered that teaching is one of the best ways to keep learning. I’ve been privileged to teach students of all ages, from young children to adults, and one thing has always been clear to me: every student can learn and achieve something meaningful, no matter the challenges they face. The key is listening to what students want to learn and finding the best way to bring that learning to life for them.

The Amy the Earth Hero series grew out of my classroom experience, my love of the environment, and the values passed down to me by my parents. I inherited creativity from my father and resilience from my mother — and both qualities live strongly in Amy. Like Amy, I grew up learning to make my own friends in unexpected places, and I wanted to create stories that show children they are never too young to make a difference.

I have written teaching notes for each of the books, which I am happy to share free of charge with teachers and homeschoolers. Please feel free to email a request – and I would love to hear how Amy’s adventures are being read and enjoyed in your classroom or at home.

Alexia Grace

Artist and Graphic Designer

I was 11 when Covid hit, and like many people, it was very difficult being isolated at home. When my Nan started to write the Amy books during lockdown, I was happy when she asked me to do the illustrations. I love to draw and it’s interesting to look back and see how much my drawings improved over the 3 years of creating the Amy Series.

I started with pencils and markers on sketch pads for the first book, and soon moved to digital drawings on my iPad, which I found much easier. I am now studying art and design full time and am pursuing it as a career.