Prior to getting her Ph.D., Sara was a 2nd grade teacher in Tennessee. Her teaching philosophy and academic interests are rooted in the power of children's literature to capture children's imaginations, broaden their understandings, and encourage diverse view points. She has conducted research on nonfiction children's literature, graphic novels, and representation in diverse books with elementary children and undergraduate students. This research has been presented across the country as well as internationally in Croatia and Australia. Sara currently lives in Reno, Nevada.