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 young adult novel, 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. Publisher's Weekly 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." The excerpt on Amazon also received lots of five-star reviews. Quitsa's Bands is still in search of a publisher.
Suzanne Goldsmith-Hirsch grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from Harvard University. She lives with her husband and two children near Columbus, Ohio.
