Sharon Ogorzalek

Sharon Ogorzalek is a retired teacher. During her thirty-five year career, she worked as a Special Education teacher, reading specialist and classroom teacher. She continues to work with struggling students in a volunteer capacity. Integrating reading skills and Social Studies has been her passion.  She is a member of the CEC, IEA, NEA, and SCBWI. 
           
Mrs. Ogorzalek believes that children who understand the past are more able to change the future.  As the granddaughter of a Pennsylvania breaker boy, she grew up listening to the stories of anthracite workers and their fight to obtain fair wages and working conditions.  She feels that the struggles of the labor movement have been forgotten in today’s America.  The contributions of unions were a significant factor in building a strong middle class. Sharon was determined to detail the role children played in the United Mine Workers. BREAKER BOY is her first novel.
           
Sharon lives in Schaumburg, IL with her husband.  Together, they have raised four sons.