I started writing for children during my many years as a volcanologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, where, in addition to scientific research, I guest taught earth science in K-12 classrooms and worked on educational programming.

I write character-driven stories that use adventure and/or humor to spark curiosity and conversations about the workings of the natural world.

I write with an eye toward empowering young girls especially, creating stories that show it’s OK to speak out, step up, go bold…and defy convention.

To learn more about pre-pivot Margaret Mangan see my curriculum vitae. For the un-official version, sneak a peek at my work-in-progress memoir.