Debra Scala Giokas
Children's Book Author
Books
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About the Author
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Debra Scala Giokas always loved to read and write. As a child, she wrote letters to family and friends and poems for special occasions.
In college she chose to focus her studies on literature. After she earned her B.A. in English from Stony Brook University, she began a career in marketing communications where she writes every day. She has been working in that field ever since.
Debra enjoys learning and writing about women in American History. She also loves clothes (and yarn!) almost as much as words.
She attended the Stony Brook Southampton Writer's Conference in 2017 and joined the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
She taught a marketing course at a local college as an Adjunct Assistant Professor for 6 years, and still mentors students at her alma mater.
Debra lives in the friendliest town on Long Island with her husband George and their dog,
Zoe Ana who is a Maltese.
Debra's husband is a writer, too. His book, a young adult novel, is called NICKEL ICE.
CLAIRE is Debra's first book for children, and it's a dream come true.
A professional member of the Crochet Guild of America,
Debra is a dollmaker. You can see her crocheted dolls on etsy.
In the
Press
"Her curiosity was piqued after seeing one of McCardell's monastic dresses on display. After reading articles about the designer and her autobiography, Scala Giokas determined it would be a great story for children and more."
Rosemary Feitelberg,
WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY
The children's book "Claire: The Little Girl Who Climbed to the Top and Changed the Way Women Dress" will be released May 24. Debra Scala Giokas is the author and local artist Mary Ryan Reeves illustrated the book.
THE FREDERICK NEWS-POST
Praise for CLAIRE
"Claire McCardell has been one of my greatest influencers as a designer. What a thrill to see her story so beautifully expressed through illustration and word. An inspiration to aspiring young designers for sure!"
-- Sarah Liller, Fashion Designer and Founder, Sarah Liller Designs
"This beautifully illustrated biographical book is highly recommended for young readers with an interest in fashion."
-- Sally Di Marco, Fashion Designer, Author and Educator
"This telling of Claire's story will inspire a whole new generation of artists and designers. Debra has truly captured the innovation and tenacity that Claire brought to all aspects of her fashion career, and reminds us to never let obstacles keep us from achieving our aspirations and dreams."
-- Kellye A. Greenwald '86, Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement, Hood College
"What an imaginative tribute to a visionary force in fashion and a great inspiration to young people with dreams!"
-- Marilyn Bagel, President, The Frederick Art Club (see The Claire McCardell Project)
"Such a fabulous celebration of women's fashion...showing women of all ages that you don't need to sacrifice style for function!"
-- Melanie Lippman, Melanie Lippman Style Consulting