Caron Levis enjoys working with kids, using drama and writing to develop social, emotional, and literacy skills. She was inspired to write "Ida, Always" by the brave students, teachers, and parents she met during visits with her first book, "Stuck with the Blooz". She is an MSW candidate at Hunter College, with an MFA in creative writing from the New School, where she now teaches. She lives in New York City, where she grew up near the real Gus and Ida. Some sounds that remind Caron of people she loves and misses are: the squeak of a sticky candy jar opening, the whir of a rotary phone dial, and the "crash-swoosh" of the ocean. You can visit her online at CaronLevis.com.