Maryjo Paradis-Smith (1960 - ) was born and raised in Arlington, Massachusetts. It was during this time that she discovered her gift for storytelling. She often told the neighbors outrageous stories about a made-up brother in Vietnam, how the fifteen children in her house were related, and struggles of her parents. She learned quickly that these stories would get her attention, gifts, and cookies.
As an adult, Maryjo taught public school in Dover, New Hampshire for thirty-four years.  As a middle school language arts and social studies teacher, Maryjo dedicated herself to her students. Respect and trust were established in her classroom. Students shared true stories of their struggles, everything from homelessness to not making the baseball team.
As an author, Maryjo hopes to bring these stories to life. Her first published book, July in August: One Girl's Struggle with an Opioid Addicted Mother tells the story of July Krativitiz who lives in the small New Hampshire town of Maplewood. Because July's mother is addicted to opioids, July's life is complicated. She has a two-year-old brother she feels responsible for, but she must leave him at home with her mother each day as she must go to school. As the story unfolds July relies on an elderly neighbor to help, only to find herself and her brother kidnapped and, on an adventure, she never wished for.
Maryjo currently lives in Barrington, New Hampshire with her husband, Tom, and her two cats. She has two grown daughters and one stepdaughter who have blessed her with six grandchildren.