Author:

Ken Mochizuki was born in Seattle, Washington in 1954. He then graduated from the University of

Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Following graduation Ken became a

professional actor In L.A. After leaving his acting career he became a free-lance writer for Seattle

publications and national magazines. While living in L.A. Ken became inspired to become a writer

from the book No-No Boy. He was inspired by the words in the text but also the truth that laid

within the text. He is very grateful for his first writing experience for a Newspaper and claims it was

great training to become a picture book writer. Kens career has never been the same since 1993,

with the publication of Baseball Saved Us, he has now conducted over 100 presentations about his

books and work as an author. Kens work is mostly non-fiction with a few works of historical

fiction. His target audience is children. He has won many awards such as

Parents Choice Award, Winner 1998 American Library Association

Washington State Governors Writers Notable Book

Award, Winner Parenting Reading Magic Award,

Teachers Choices Winner

Notable Books for Children Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List

Notable Childrens Trade Book in the

Field of Social Studies

I chose Ken Mochizuki as my author spotlight from reading and using his inspiring work in the field

of education. Ken uses his work to help readers understand the world around them from the use of

literature. Ken focuses on writing diverse stories to allow children to use these pieces of literature as

a window or a mirror. Kens work can be used across grade levels to teach different lessons and

ideas from the interpretation of the text and the maturity level of the students that vary amongst

grade levels.