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Dr. Ilona E. Holland Bio
Dr. Ilona E. Holland is an educator and writer who weaves information into stories so children can grasp the wind and see beneath movement of the sand.
Dr. Holland spent most of her professional life in education. She was on the faculty at the Harvard Graduate School of Education for 14 years and an evaluator for numerous educational technology projects including PBS programs like Martha Speaks, CyberChase, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego, among others. She was also an advisor for the PBS Emmy Award-winning WordGirl.
Over the years, Dr. Holland has served on the boards of the University of Delaware, Delaware State University and the Delaware Art Museum. She currently serves on the Delaware Council on Libraries, the Educational Advisory Board of the National Park Trust, The Dean’s Advisory Council for the School of Education (University of Delaware) and is a trustee for the Lewes Historical Society and the Children’s Beach House in Lewes, DE and the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover, DE. She holds an Ed.D. from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
These days, she spends most of her time writing for children and visiting schools.
Partners:
Judy Love, Illustrator
Recognition
The Great Explosion: A Powder Mill Chronicle awarded First Place for Children's Fiction by the Delaware Press Association (2021)
WATCH INTERVIEW
In 2019, Buddy Bison's Yellowstone Adventure was selected for inclusion in United Through Reading, a program serving over 100,000 families in which deployed military parents read to their children over distance
Watch Video
The Lost Locket of Lewes awarded First Place for Children's Fiction in NFPW’s 2019 National Communications Contest (2019)
Read Review
Buddy Bison's Yellowstone Adventure selected "Hoda's Favorite Thing" on the national NBC television show, Kathie Lee and Hoda (2017)
The Lost Locket of Lewes awarded First Place for Children's Fiction by the Delaware Press Association (2019)
Recipient, Strong, Smart and Bold Award, Delaware Girls Inc. (2007)
Recipient of the Superstars! in Education Award for the creation of the Social Studies curriculum, An Introduction to Social Studies; Using Art as Primary and Secondary Source Materials, presented by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (May 1996)
Media
March 19, 2021
The Great Explosion - March 19, 1818
March 19 marks the anniversary of the most catastrophic event that occurred during the operation of Hagley’s powder yard. Watch this video commemorating what came to be known as The Great Explosion of 1818 as we speak with author Ilona Holland and Hagley Historian Lucas Clawson. Holland’s book, The Great Explosion: A Powder Mill Chronicle
JANUARY 4, 2021
The Great Explosion by Ilona Holland
Fire, explosions, and flying debris test the courage of the du Pont children who race from their home to escape the dangers of the nearby family powder mill. Another explosion could happen any minute! Share the children’s adventure as they make their way to safety.
December 16, 2020
Interview by Hagley From Home: The Great Explosion by Ilona Holland
Fire, explosions, and flying debris test the courage of the du Pont children who race from their home to escape the dangers of the nearby family powder mill. Another explosion could happen any minute! Share the children’s adventure as they make their way to safety. Based on true events from 1818, this book combines fact with fiction to keep you turning the pages as you learn about the duPont children and life at Eleutherian Mills.
April 15, 2019
Celebrating Local Authors from Delmarva
Author Ilona Holland talks about her book, “The Lost Locket of Lewes” with illustrator Judy Love
December 11, 2020
Thank you, Dr. Holland!
Dr. Libby thanks Dr. Holland for her presentaion at Shields Elementary School.
OCTOBER 23, 2019
Sergeant Major Daniel Dailey Reads Buddy Bison's Yellowstone Adventure
United Through Reading and National Park Trust partnered together to bring families a special UTR recording of Buddy Bison’s Yellowstone Adventure by author Ilona E. Holland. Sergeant Major Daniel Dailey, 15th SMA of the U.S. Army, takes us on the adventure in this special video.
MARCH 31, 2016
Celebrating Local Authors from Delmarva
As we celebrate Delmarva, it’s not just about the stories we focus on, but the people behind them as well. That includes the many people who write stories – particularly, children’s books. Author Dr. Ilona Holland from Rehoboth Beach, Del. recently published her first children’s book, “Buddy Bison’s Yellowstone Adventure,” with the National Park Trust and National Geographic Kids.
