Karina Hamalainen

Karina Hamalainen – Editor

Writer and editor that creates engaging nonfiction texts for kids. I've written about topics from volcanoes to the science of Star Trek.

Overview

For more than 10 years, I have worked at Scholastic, primarily on the STEAM magazine titles: Science World, Scholastic MATH, SuperScience, DynaMath, and Scholastic ART. This includes writing articles, devising issue issue lineups, editing copy, and shepherding layouts through printing.

I have also worked on several science book projects for Scholastic Library Publishing, including consulting on how to cover different science topics and writing books for both upper elementary kids in grades 3-5 and "Rookie Readers" for grades 1-2.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Earth, Space, & Environmental Sciences Education & Reference Mathematics & Statistics Nature
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • AEP Revere Award for best middle school feature article 2011
  • AEP Revere Award for best single issue magazine 2014
Certifications
  • Science, Health, & Environmental Reporting

Work experience

Scholastic, Inc.

Nov, 2008 — Present

Portfolio

From floating flowers and flying seeds to sweet scents and deadly poison, explore the surprising world of the planet's wackiest plants.A True Book: Incredible Plants series introduces young investigative readers to many types of unusual and typical plants from... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Young readers will love exploring the active volcanoes and lava fields that give Hawaii Volcanoes National Park its name.Follow Ranger Rick as he gives the youngest reader (Ages 6-7) a fun and fascinating tour of some of the most spectacular places in the Unit... read more
Young readers will love exploring the massive swamp that gives Everglades National Park its name.Follow Ranger Rick as he gives the youngest reader (Ages 6-7) a fun and fascinating tour of some of the most spectacular places in the United States. Stunning phot... read more
What is the difference between climate and weather? How does ice melting at the South Pole affect sea levels thousands of miles away?This book explains how climate change contributes to rising sea levels and hazards such as heat waves, droughts, and extra-powe... read more
Discover 1,000 more fun, fascinating, and funny quiz questions in the fifth installment in this popular series, with all-new content and photos. Packed with fantastic photos and a dynamic design, kids will have a blast quizzing themselves, friends, and family ... read more
Discover 1,000 more fun, fascinating, and funny quiz questions in the latest book in this popular series, with all-new content and photos. Packed with fantastic photos and a dynamic design, kids will have a blast quizzing themselves, friends, and their familie... read more
More fun than a barrel of monkeys and more interesting than reality TV-- this brain candy-filled book is an explosion of information about sensational topics kids love: royalty, gravity, bioluminescence, sloths, wildfires, bubblegum, cars, breakfast, aliens, y... read more
Located all the way at southern tip of Florida, Everglades National Park is the nation's only subtropical park.A True Book: National Parks series allows readers to experience spectacular vistas and natural landscapes, as well as interact with the rich tapestry... read more
Two of the most active volcanoes on Earth, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, are located in Hawai'i - a true hot bed of volcanic activity.A True Book: National Parks series allows readers to experience spectacular vistas and natural landscapes, as well as interact with t... read more
Find out what it is like to work as an animator, what is in story for the future of animation, and more.From Steamboat Willie to Finding Dory, the world of animation has seen many changes over the years. But one thing that always stays the same is animators' c... read more

Karina has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Akilah W.

Akilah W.

Sep, 2023

Karina delivered everything requested and more! She edited my work thoroughly and provided detailed feedback while communicating in a timely and personable manner. I would 100% recommend her for any math and science projects.
Marianne J.

Marianne J.

Aug, 2021

Karina was a delight to work with and helped make my massive manuscript into something manageable and something to be proud of. She offered thoughtful and helpful suggestions and comments throughout. She went above and beyond by fact checking a few of my facts to make sure I had the most up-to-date information. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is so fun to work with. She’s kind,...
Read more
Sharae B.

Sharae B.

Mar, 2021

Karina was a pleasure to work with. Her work was great, she is quick to respond, and had no problem meeting the deadline.

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