Welcome! I’m so happy you’re here!

My name is Marissa Bader, and I’m a Minneapolis-based children’s book author who writes stories that support social-emotional learning, self-confidence, self-acceptance, and emotional growth. My books are created for kids, families, educators, and caregivers navigating big feelings and important life moments.

I’ve been a writer for as long as I can remember. Writing is more than what I do—it’s who I am. As a child, I spent hours journaling, making books, and writing short stories, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Writing has always been how I make sense of my thoughts, feelings, the world, and my place in it.

In addition to being a children’s book author, I’ve been a freelance writer for almost 20 years! I’ve written for several publications such as Psychology Today, Her View From Home, HuffPost Parents, Kveller and Twiniversity.com to name a few. I also served as the Twins Editor and mental health writer at Lucie’s List for several years, and have a master of arts degree in marriage and family therapy. I am deeply passionate about mental health, and my background in this inspires everything I write. You can read more about me in this CanvasRebel interview. 

The Shared Journey

Writing allows me to connect with and relate to others in a beautiful way; we all have a narrative, and I’ve always been passionate about sharing mine in an effort to bridge the gaps between people, expose our similarities, and increase acceptance of one another. I call this “the shared journey.”

This notion of “the shared journey” has long been the WHY behind my writing. Through my words, I aim to illustrate that despite any differences we may have, we’re all in this life together – thus, my tagline, “connecting hearts through stories.” We are all connected through our shared stories and experiences.

Some Fun Stuff

When not working on my children’s books, you can likely find me reading, listening to podcasts, writing for fun (yes, I do that!),  spending time in nature, dancing, and going to MN Twins games with my family! 

 Thanks for stopping by!