Padma Venkatraman is an American author was born in India, the setting of her latest novel, THE BRIDGE HOME. She worked as chief scientist on oceanographic ships, explored rainforests, directed a school, and lived in 5 countries before becoming a full-time writer. The New York Times described THE BRIDGE HOME as “gorgeous storytelling.” It is a 2019 Global Read Aloud book, a Washington Post KidPost Summer Book Club selection, a Today Show Summer Read and has received 5 starred reviews (in SLJ, Kirkus, SLC, ALA Booklist and PW), for a total of 17 stars so far together with her previous 3 award-winning and critically acclaimed novels: A TIME TO DANCE, ISLAND’S END and CLIMBING THE STAIRS. Venkatraman enjoys teaching, mentoring, participating on panels, giving commencement speeches and providing keynote addresses at national conferences, has been chief guest at international literary festivals. She was recently interviewed on a national PBS program, and her work has been featured previously on national and international TV and radio, and in a documentary. In January, she will join the faculty at VCFA to teach writing.