Get to Know an Author

Try this super summer reading project: study an author who celebrates a summer birthday.

Ages

5-13

Get to Know an Author

Kindergarten–Grade 2

Grades 3–5

  • Sharon Creech — July 29
    This heralded author of Love That Dog and Bloomability is known for her lyrical, moving chapter books starring compelling characters thriving under unusual circumstances. If you'd like to find other great books by this author, see our Sharon Creech book list.
  • Paula Danziger – August 18
    Known for her delightfully funny and true contemporary novels, this author crafted the classroom tales about Amber Brown and teamed up with Ann Martin to write P.S. Longer Letter Later and Snail Mail No More.
  • Jack Gantos — July 2
    The creator of the humorous and poignant Joey Pigza trilogy, about a hyperactive grade schooler and his struggles at school and home, this author also wrote Rotten Ralph and its sequels.
  • James Howe — August 2
    Bunnicula and its many sequels were born in the brain of this author, who also penned the funny, easy-reading Pinky and Rex books and the middle-school novel The Misfits.
  • E. B. White — July 11
    This New Yorker editor crafted three of the best chapter books in the children's literature canon. Your child won't want to miss any of his novels: The Trumpet of the SwanStuart Little, and the incomparable Charlotte's Web.

Middle School

  • Natalie Babbitt — July 28
    This lyrical writer challenges readers to contemplate ideas not often addressed in children's books. Look no further than her beautiful novel Tuck Everlasting to ponder issues of eternal life.
  • Kathryn Lasky — June 24
    A creator of several Dear America books including Christmas After All, this historical writer also earned a Newbery Honor for her searing Salem witch trials novel, Beyond the Burning Time.
  • Ann M. Martin — August 12
    The author of several teen- and tween-pleasing Baby-Sitter’s Club books, this author also scribed Newbery Honor book A Corner of the Universe, about a girl and her mentally ill uncle.
  • Walter Dean Myers — August 12
    Full of gripping action and dynamic dialogue, this author's YA novels often explore the experiences of African-American teens in challenging circumstances. Favorite novels include SlamSomewhere in the Darkness, and the critically acclaimed screenplay-novel, Monster. For more great books by Walter Dean Myers, check out this book list.
  • J.  K. Rowling — July 31
    Few children's book authors are as well known as this Harry Potter creator. Your child is sure to love learning more about her!
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