Mary Hoffman's first book was "White Magic" in 1975. At the suggestion of Richard Adams, she had it published by Rex Collings after it was rejected by several other publishers. Hoffman has written 24 picture books including the "Amazing Grace" series. When it was published, she received an award from Waldenbooks. "Amazing Grace" was adapted to the stage by Shay Youngblood and ranked as one of the 50 best culturally diverse children's books by Seven Stories. The 2015 anniversary edition features and afterword by LeVar Burton. The illustrator, Caroline Binch, hired members of a family in Gambia as models for Grace and other characters. Hoffman has described the trip to visit them as her first trip to Africa.