Debbie Ann Taylor

Debbie Taylor, a native of Columbus Ohio, resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She attended Ohio Dominican College and holds degrees from Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University.

She has worked at the University of Michigan for over 25 years in various roles from Assistant Director of Career Planning and Placement to the Director of the Women in Engineering Office. Currently she is an Academic Coach for the Michigan Science Technology and Math Academy at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering. Her passions include botanical gardens, museums, and literacy programs.

Debbie is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Her short stories for children appear in magazines including Cricket, Spider, New Moon and Pockets. Themes of her stories include the value of family and the importance of community. Her resourceful young heroes and heroines have found favor with nationwide audiences. Taylor’s first picture book, Sweet Music in Harlem (Lee and Low 2004) inspired by Art Kane's famous 1958 photograph of jazz musicians, illustrated by award-winning artist, Frank Morrison, was honored by the International Reading Association and the Bank Street College of Education. A musical arrangement of the book was and performed by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra in 2007. Her recent publications include Step it Up! The French Dukes and the Junior Library Guild selection, Over in Motown.