M.J. Auch is the award-winning author of "Guitar Boy", "One-Handed Catch", "Ashes of Roses" and numerous other books for young readers. Books were a part of M.J. s life from an early age; her mother was a second grade teacher who always made sure there were plenty of books in the house. M.J. now lives on a small farm in upstate NY with her husband and co-illustrator, Herm, and their two dogs, Sophie and Zeke.