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Hi, I’m Lea.

I’m an educator, author, and lifelong lover of stories. From the classroom to the page, I’m passionate about helping children--young in age and young at heart--(re)discover the joy of reading, encouraging educators, and creating stories that spark curiosity and conversation.

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EDUCATOR + AUTHOR

Two Worlds, One Passion

For me, education and children's literature have always been connected. With more than a decade of classroom experience, I bring a practical, engaging approach to reading and writing instruction. As a published children's book author, I also understand the creative process from the writer's perspective.​ Today, I share my experience through teaching strategies, presentations, resources, writing, children's literature, and author events.

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THE AUTHOR

Stories That Spark Curiosity & Conversation

I am the author of STRIPES, a children's book that combines storytelling with an exploration of identity, individuality, and seeing ourselves as whole.

THE EDUCATOR

Making Reading & Writing More Engaging

From classroom strategies to conference presentations, I share practical approaches designed to help students connect with reading, writing, and literary analysis.

Teaching Experience That Comes From the Classroom

Lea has spent more than ten years teaching English and developing strategies that help students turn abstract reading and writing concepts into practical, engaging learning experiences.

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Her work has been shared at professional education conferences, including the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and California Association of Teachers of English (CATE). Her writing on teaching and literacy has also appeared in California English and the New York Times Learning Network.

As an educator, I'm creator and founder of the Spot the Difference strategy

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FEATURED BOOK

STRIPES

A children's story about identity, perspective, and discovering that being different can be exactly what makes us whole.

Zebra has an important question: Is he a white zebra with black stripes—or a black zebra with white stripes?

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As Zebra asks animals across the African savannah for answers, each one sees him a little differently. Eventually, Zebra discovers that the answer isn't about choosing one side. He's both black and white—and that's what makes him Zebra.

Meet Lea at an Upcoming Event

From school visits and library readings to bookstores, festivals, and professional conferences, Lea loves connecting with readers, educators, and communities through books.

NCTE 2026 — Philadelphia

November 19–23, 2026

Connect with Lea at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention.

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Let's Bring Books & Ideas to Your Community

Interested in a school visit, children's book reading, author event, educational presentation, bookstore collaboration, sponsorship opportunity, or another creative partnership? Lea would love to hear from you.

What can I help you with?

LEA MARYANOW

Educator • Author • Storyteller

Stories, learning, and ideas from the classroom to the page.

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Whether you’re a parent, educator, reader, bookstore, school, or fellow author, I’d love to connect.

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© 2026 Lea Maryanow. All rights reserved.
All images owned or released to Lea Maryanow for media use.

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