Marta Magellan
Marta Magellan is a freelance writer of children’s books whose career spans more than four decades in education, writing, and storytelling. Born in Rio de Janeiro, she immigrated to the United States at the age of seven as the child of a legal immigrant. From an early age, she developed a deep love for the English language and became an avid reader, a passion that shaped her lifelong dedication to education and literature. She earned a master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Florida and began her professional journey in education in 1984 as an English as a Second Language instructor. With over 30 years of experience in education and literary work, her primary areas of expertise include education, writing, and children’s literature, with a specialization in teaching English and composition as well as creating award-winning nonfiction for children focused on nature, wildlife, and environmental conservation.
In 1988, Marta expanded her teaching focus to include writing, composition, English, and creative writing, a role she held throughout her academic career. From 1998 to 2018, she co-advised the college magazine My Ambience, guiding it to consistent award-winning success and influencing the development of student publications across multiple campuses at Miami Dade College. She also co-chaired Arts and Letters Day, an interdisciplinary program that introduced students to a wide range of artistic expression, including music, visual arts, and published poetry from faculty and guest artists. Her most notable professional achievements include her two-decade leadership of My Ambience and multiple honors for her children’s literature, including recognition from the Florida Book Awards, Green Earth Award, and Crystal Kite Award. While she is no longer formally affiliated with specific organizations in a current capacity, she has maintained deep involvement in academic and literary communities throughout her career.
Since retiring from full-time academia in 2018, Marta has focused on her current role as a full-time writer of children’s books. Her work centers on environmental themes, wildlife, and conservation, with projects featuring subjects such as dragonflies, bats, axolotls, and other fascinating creatures that help children connect emotionally with nature. She believes that when children form a bond with animals, they develop a stronger desire to protect the environment. Marta frequently presents at schools and libraries, where she enjoys engaging directly with young readers. Her personal passions for nature, music, and storytelling continue to guide her creative work, allowing her to transform environmental awareness into engaging and educational literature for children.
• University of Florida - Master's degree, Linguistics
• Florida Book Award
• Green Earth Award
• Eureka California Reading Association Award
• Crystal Kite Award from Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
• Bronze Medal from Florida Book Awards for Dragonflies Water Angels
• Bronze Medal from Florida Book Awards for Amazing Misunderstood Bats
• Manny Medina Endowed Teaching Chair
• Blockbuster Endowed Chair Award
• Endowed Teaching Chair in the Humanaties
• Fulbright Grant
• Nautilus Book Awards - Silver Medal Winner
• Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for education, storytelling, and lifelong learning. My dedication to my craft has been a steady foundation throughout my journey, guiding me to stay committed even as my work has evolved over time. I also draw inspiration from a deep appreciation for nature and creativity, which continue to shape my perspective and fuel my storytelling. These guiding forces have helped me remain focused, curious, and intentional in my work, while continually striving to create meaningful and lasting impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to stay true to my voice while remaining open to growth and collaboration. Throughout my journey, I have been influenced by academic peers and collaborators in literary and arts spaces who have reinforced the importance of balancing creative authenticity with a willingness to learn from others. This perspective has reminded me that meaningful work is both personal and collective, and that progress often comes from remaining adaptable, receptive, and committed to continuous improvement while staying grounded in my own creative purpose.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering my field to pursue their passions in writing and education with confidence and purpose. It is important to remain curious, trust your creative voice, and continue developing your ideas with intention and authenticity. I also emphasize the value of persistence, as growth in this industry often comes through patience, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning. Staying committed to continuous learning and remaining open to new perspectives will help build both skill and confidence over time.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is maintaining meaningful engagement in children’s educational content within an increasingly fast-paced digital world where attention is limited and constantly divided. At the same time, this challenge creates a powerful opportunity to develop more innovative, immersive, and impactful storytelling that not only captures attention but also inspires curiosity, environmental awareness, and a deeper connection to learning. By adapting to evolving platforms and audience habits, I can continue to create stories that resonate with younger generations and encourage them to explore and appreciate the world around them.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work and personal life, I value creativity, education, and environmental awareness. I am deeply committed to inspiring younger generations through storytelling and fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world. I strive to use creativity as a bridge for learning and connection, encouraging curiosity, respect for the environment, and lifelong growth in those I engage with.