Having visited Israel several times, she created the character of Amy Nelson, a spoiled American teen who spends a summer that Middle Eastern country.

'After reading about one hundred books, I thought, ‘I can write a book, too.’ So I sat down to write my first book and got addicted to the story and my characters.' Though Elkeles was born near Chicago, Illinois, where she still lives, her father and husband are both Israeli. 'I was never an avid reader before, but got sucked into reading while taking care of my infant,' she explained in an interview for the Teens Read Too Web site. Simone Elkeles did not realize she wanted to be a writer until after she had her second child. Leaving Paradise, Flux (Woodbury, MN), 2007. How to Ruin My Teenage Life, Flux (Woodbury, MN), 2007. How to Ruin a Summer Vacation, Flux (Woodbury, MN), 2006. Awards, HonorsĬhick Lit Stiletto award, 2005, and Top-Ten Teen Books selection, Young Adult Library Services Association, both for How to Ruin a Summer Vacation. MemberĬhicago-North Romance Writers of America. Previously worked as a photographer and in business. Education: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, B.S., 1992, Loyola University, M.S. Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Unreap My Heart by Kate.Born in IL married children: two.Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill.Review: The Truth About You & Me by Amanda Grace.Waiting on Wednesday (#36): White Hot Kiss by Jenn.2013 Debut Author Bash with Kelsey Sutton, Author.Swoon Thursday (#34): Foreplay by Sophie Jordan.Review: The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle.Blog Tour and Giveaway: Quotes Then And Now with L.Review: The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White.

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