Patty Polasky grew up in the Midwest. She lived in a small town where her great grandparents and grandparents had settled in the 1850s. They came from Europe. She vividly remembers her early childhood as being filled with many happy memories. Patty has said, "Growing up in a small town gives one a sense of security. The reality is that even our neighbors were considered part of the family!" Patty went on to college where she majored in communications and education. She later obtained a Master's Degree in journalism. She taught school for fifteen years, then decided to become a freelance writer. She has received numerous honors for her literary efforts in recent years. Patty would like the… readers of the book Sally Sharp, The Silent Authoress to know that some women experienced great hardships, especially during the early years of the women's movement.