Suzanne Goldsmith-Hirsch (a.k.a. Goldsmith) has written two books and many articles about youth and communities.  A City Year recounts the story of twelve diverse teenagers working together on one challenging project: improving the city they live in - and, in the process, improving their own lives. Their gritty and moving story conveys hope - with a dose of realism - for those who would like to make a difference.

A City Year was widely reviewed and is used in many classrooms. Publisher's Weekly gave the book a boxed review, calling it "wise and analytical."

Goldsmith-Hirsch has also published Journal Reflection, a teacher guide for those carrying out service learning projects, as well as many magazine and newspaper articles on service and community-building. Her essays on life as a stay-at-home mother have appeared in such publications as Parents magazine and the webzine The Philosophical Mother.

Suzanne recently completed a novel for young people, Quitsa's Bands,  which is set on the island of Martha's Vineyard.  Quitsa's Bands was recently selected as a Top 100 semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. An Amazon contest reviewer had this to say about the manuscript: "The author has a keen eye for time, place and character; the resulting novel is an achingly lovely visit to a vulnerable age." 

Suzanne Goldsmith-Hirsch grew up in Massachusetts. She loves books, the ocean, her family, old houses with front porches, and dark chocolate. She lives with her husband and two children near Columbus, Ohio.