Illana Katz facts for kids

Illana Katz (born 1946) is an American author who writes books for children with special needs. She started a publishing company called Real Life Storybooks to create these stories.

Her life changed in the late 1980s when her son, Seth, was diagnosed with autism. To learn more, Katz began researching everything she could about the condition. This journey led her to write her first book, Joey and Sam: A Heartwarming Storybook About Autism, a Family, and a Brother's Love, in 1993. She also researched the life of the famous scientist Albert Einstein and believed he might have had autism, too. Katz continues to be an important voice for children with special needs.

Her Story

When Illana Katz's son Seth was diagnosed with autism in the late 1980s, she was very upset. She felt like all her hopes for her child were gone. At the time, there wasn't much information available for parents.

To cope with her feelings and take control, Katz started talking to experts and attending meetings. She used what she learned to write books. Her goal was to help explain difficult situations to children and to make better decisions for her son.

In 1992, Katz began working with Dr. Edward Ritvo, a professor at the UCLA. Together, they wrote Joey and Sam. This book was designed to explain autism to young children between the ages of 4 and 8. The next year, Katz founded Real Life Storybooks to publish more books like it.

A Wrong Number with a Big Impact

In 1993, Katz set up a special phone number for her company. People could call to order books or ask questions. However, her number was very similar to a national hotline for helping children in danger.

Because of this, Katz often received calls from people who had dialed the wrong number. Even when she explained it was a mistake, many callers would share their very serious problems. These calls deeply affected Katz. They inspired her to write a new book in 1994 called Sarah. The story is about a young girl who finds the courage to speak up about a serious problem with the help of a trusted adult.

Eventually, the people running the child-help hotline asked her to change her number so callers could get the help they needed, and she agreed.

Writing About Albert Einstein

Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, who Katz wrote about in a 1995 book.

While dealing with these serious topics, Katz never stopped her work for children with disabilities. She wanted her books to teach other kids about different conditions.

She explained her mission in 1994:

"With my books, I'm trying to prevent kids from making fun of children with disabilities, being cruel because they don't know any better. That's why I'm writing. Not only to teach children about the disabilities or the diseases, but to help them grow up to be better, more caring people."

Katz spent six years studying the life of the famous scientist Albert Einstein. She worked with Dr. Ritvo on this project. They found that as a child, Einstein had some traits that are common in people with autism. For example, he was born with a large head, he started talking late, and he did not do well in school. He was also a loner who didn't like crowds and had big tantrums.

In 1995, Katz and Ritvo published their book, In a World of His Own: A Storybook About Albert Einstein. In it, they suggested that based on his life story, Einstein may have had autism.

Personal Life

Illana Katz is married to David Katz, and they have four children. Their youngest son has autism. She currently works with a group that provides psychological and educational services for children with special needs.

Awards

Katz has received the Authors' and Celebrities' "Award of Excellence" and the Irwin Award for her work.

See also

• I Am Albert Einstein, 2014 children's book