Mary Jantz

Bio

Mary Jantz is the author of the children's books The Penny Book, The Little Goldfish, If I Were 100 Years Old, A Nickel for Mr. Beickel, My Christmas Memory, as well as the chapter book Defending the Title.  A former kindergarten teacher who also holds a license in practical nursing, she received her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2001, where she competed in women's cross country as well as indoor and outdoor track and field.  As a lifelong distance runner, Mary has completed over a dozen half marathons as well as nine full marathons, including running the Boston Marathon four times.  She is the mother of three incredible and talented boys: Cam (17), Ethan (15), and Bo (12).  All three boys play club baseball year-round and have always been the main source of inspiration in her writing. Mary was formerly a school nurse for five years before becoming a fulltime author, and resides with her husband and children in Gilbert, Arizona.  Her stories often depict characters who wrestle with confidence issues yet also hold a deep passion for never giving up hope and faith in themselves or their aspirations. Every story she has written is unique in its own special way, however the theme of her message to her readers remains constant: no matter what, love will always win.