Meet Gale Hall, a retired early childhood educator and author whose work is rooted in compassion, advocacy, and the belief that children’s books can be powerful tools for healing. Throughout her career, Gale used picture books as the foundation for curriculum planning — especially those in the tradition of bibliotherapy, stories that help children process emotions, experiences, and change.
After retiring and relocating from New Hampshire to southern Arizona in 2016, Gale found the story she had long hoped to write. Over the course of three years, she developed Lili’s Quilt, a deeply thoughtful children’s book inspired by her involvement with the Welcome Quilt Project and her work promoting migration with dignity. As the project grew, so did the story — weaving together the lived experiences of immigrant families, classroom dialogue, and practical activities that encourage empathy, understanding, and connection.
At the heart of Lili’s Quilt is a brave and resilient young protagonist whose journey helps classmates respond with compassion. Gale believes it is essential for all children to see themselves portrayed positively in books — and equally important for others to learn how to listen, understand, and care. Her hope is that young readers recognize themselves in the hopeful faces within the story, while adults find a gentle, familiar entry point for meaningful conversations about immigration.
Gale holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Fairfield University and has spent her professional life advocating for young children, families, and educators through state and national early literacy initiatives. Her work continues to reflect a lifelong commitment to dignity, inclusion, and the power of story.
✨ Meet Gale Hall at the Scottsdale Book Festival and discover how children’s books can open hearts, foster empathy, and create space for understanding.