I’m a former appellate defender and U.C. Berkeley law graduate.
I started out teaching English at the college level while writing novels, essays, and kid’s books. Then I went to law school, represented people who couldn’t afford to pay, kept writing books, wrote legal analysis for The Washington Post and other media outlets, wrote more books, and here I am.
Books
Meet the rebels, robbers, radicals, determined teenagers, and ordinary Americans who shaped our Constitutional rights.
(To be published in May, 2025)
“Readers will emerge with a great deal of respect for a fiercely independent woman who battled sexism to reach the pinnacle of her profession.”
―Publisher’s Weekly
Lies destroy. Disinformation tears at the fabric of democracy.
“A must-read for everyone.” — San Francisco Book Reviews
★ Starred review: “Beautifully and clearly written, this story of a teen who refused to be deterred in her pursuit of educational equality is matched by period photos.”
―School Library Journal
★ Starred Review: This “thoughtful and insightful biography explores the life of a most unusual woman for her time.”
―Kirkus Reviews
“Kanefield allows readers to understand how notions of right and wrong change over time and across cultures, helping them begin to understand the complexities of crime and punishment.”
―Horn Book Magazine
“. . sparkling. . . a treasure of excellent information.” ―Huffington Post
“A solid introduction to a charismatic founding father.”
―Kirkus Reviews
★ Starred Review: “This book is an eye-opening, accurately researched, well-written depiction of Andrew Jackson and his presidency. Highly Recommended.”.
―Kirkus Review
“A multifaceted, humanistic portrayal of our sixteenth president.” ―Booklist
“In an in-depth biography of this important historical figure, Kanefield relies heavily on primary-source materials, especially Anthony’s own revealing words. . . A fine biography, both enlightening and entertaining.”
―Kirkus Reviews
“Those familiar with Kanefield’s other biographical works will not be disappointed. A solid account for both history buffs and report-writers.”
―Kirkus Reviews
“Insets and in-text explanations smoothly bring readers up to speed on key concepts such as the “equalization strategy” . . . Kanefield contextualizes Marshall’s career within the broader civil rights movement.”
―Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books
“Kanefield weaves a suspenseful tale of friendship and love.”
—Hadassah Magazine
“A simple but daring adventure.”
—Voice of Youth Advocates
“Turn On the Light So I Can Hear by Teri Kanefield is both a wonderful portrayal of the issues surrounding deaf culture in a largely hearing world, and a coming of age story.”
―Library Thing
A disinformation warrior plots his prison escape and comes face to face with the monster he created.
This novel is free to my readers.
Part survival story, part crime novel with a twist, here’s what happens when six teenagers act on their optimism and attempt the impossible.