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Brian Selznick
Author Profile

Brian Selznick

23 Books
Brian Selznick is an acclaimed American author and illustrator best known for his innovative, heavily illustrated middle-grade novels. His pioneering visual storytelling style is evident in his Caldecott Medal-winning work, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, as well as in immersive books like The Marvels and Big Tree. In addition to his own original stories, Selznick frequently collaborates as an illustrator to bring other authors' historical and contemporary narratives to life.

The Houdini Box

Brian Selznick

Biography Magic
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Kaleidoscope

Brian Selznick

Dreams Emotions
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The Marvels

Brian Selznick

Family Fiction
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The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Brian Selznick

Art Inventions
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Big Tree

Brian Selznick

Adventure Courage
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Run Away with Me

Brian Selznick

Cities Travel
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The Wonderstruck Movie Scrapbook

Brian Selznick

Art History
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Wonderstruck

Brian Selznick

Art Family
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The Hugo Movie Companion: A Behind the Scenes Look at how a Beloved Book Became a Major Motion Picture

Brian Selznick

Art History
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The Boy of a Thousand Faces

Brian Selznick

Holidays Humor
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The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins: An Illuminating History of Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, Artist and Lecturer

Barbara Kerley, Brian Selznick

Art Biography
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When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson

Brian Selznick, Pam Muñoz Ryan

Biography Diverse Voices
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The School Story

Brian Selznick, Andrew Clements

Creativity Fiction
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Baby Monkey, Private Eye

Brian Selznick, David Serlin

Animals Humor
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Marly's Ghost

David Levithan, Brian Selznick

Ghosts
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Lunch Money

Andrew Clements, Brian Selznick

Friendship Humor
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Frindle

Brian Selznick, Andrew Clements, John Fleming

Creativity Humor
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The Doll People

The Doll People

Ann M. Martin, Brian Selznick, Laura Godwin

Adventure Family
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The Landry News

Andrew Clements, Brian Selznick, Salvatore Murdocca

Communication Creativity
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The Doll People

The Meanest Doll in the World

Ann M. Martin, Brian Selznick, Laura Godwin

Adventure Courage
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Live Oak, with Moss

Walt Whitman, Brian Selznick, Karen Karbiener, Anthony Opal

Art Diverse Voices
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Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids

Peter Lerangis, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Linda Sue Park, Brian Selznick, Rita Williams-Garcia, Grace Lin, Elissa Brent Weissman, Kwame Alexander, Chris Grabenstein, Gail Carson Levine, Tom Angleberger, Kathi Appelt, Ashley Bryan, Tim Federle, Candace Fleming, Marla Frazee, Chris Gall, Alex Gino, Gordon Korman, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Thanhha Lai, Yuyi Morales, R. J. Palacio, Dan Santat, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Eric Rohmann

Anthologies Biography
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Riding Freedom

Pam Muñoz Ryan, Brian Selznick, Nuria Molinero, Philippe Poirier, Hélène Georges, Dominique Delord, Pat Lessie

Action Courage
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By: Brian Selznick
Ten-year-old Victor is completely obsessed with magic, but his attempts to walk through walls and escape from locked trunks always end in disaster. He desperately wants to perform astonishing tricks just like his ultimate hero, the legendary Harry Houdini. Then, in a stroke of unbelievable luck, Victor actually meets the master illusionist face-to-face and begs him to share his secrets. Instead of giving a simple answer, Houdini leaves Victor with a mysterious, tightly locked box. Does this small box truly hold the incredible secrets to the greatest magic tricks ever performed? You will be captivated by this brilliant blend of history and mystery as Victor embarks on a thrilling quest to unlock the truth. Prepare to be enchanted by a story that perfectly captures the pure wonder of an old-time magic show.
Biography Magic Mystery
9-12 Years 64 Pages
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By: Brian Selznick
A ship. A garden. A library. A key. Dive into a mesmerizing puzzle where time, space, and memory constantly shift and change. This breathtaking story follows two young people who are mysteriously bound to one another across different realities and wildly imaginative dreamscapes. As they navigate these strange and beautiful worlds, they must unravel a deeply emotional mystery surrounding the true nature of grief, love, and connection. Because the story fragments reflect differently depending on how you look at them, your experience of reading this book will be entirely unique to you. Prepare to be swept away by an astounding feat of storytelling that proves how even the wildest, most fractured tales can bring us comfort and clarity during our hardest times.
Dreams Emotions Fantasy Friendship
9-12 Years 208 Pages
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By: Brian Selznick
Have you ever wondered about secrets hidden in old houses? Brian Selznick, the amazing storyteller behind "The Invention of Hugo Cabret," brings you a brand new adventure filled with mystery and history. Imagine a boy named Billy Marvel, who, way back in 1766, survived a shipwreck! He ends up in London and starts a famous family of actors. For generations, the Marvel family shines on stage, creating a legacy that lasts for over a century. You'll discover their amazing story mostly through hundreds of incredible pictures that tell the tale without words. Then, nearly a hundred years later, meet Joseph Jervis. He runs away to London and finds himself drawn to the Marvel family's old house. It's filled with beautiful portraits and whispers of the past. What secrets does this house hold? And what connects Joseph to the long-ago Marvels? Get ready for a captivating journey where two intertwined stories, one told in stunning illustrations and the other in powerful words, reveal a hidden family history and a thrilling mystery.
Family Fiction Graphic Novels History Mystery
9-12 Years 672 Pages
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By: Brian Selznick
Deep within the hidden walls of a bustling Paris train station, a young orphan named Hugo Cabret lives a life of absolute secrecy. He spends his days keeping the station's massive clocks ticking and surviving by his wits, desperate to remain invisible to the world. But his fragile undercover existence is suddenly threatened when he crosses paths with a bitter old toy seller and his eccentric, book-loving goddaughter. At the center of Hugo's world is a mysterious mechanical man and a cryptic notebook left behind by his late father. To uncover the truth about his past and secure his future, Hugo must solve a complex puzzle of stolen keys, hidden messages, and forgotten history. Experience a breathtaking, cinematic adventure told through stunning original drawings and words that will completely change the way you read.
Art Inventions Mystery
9-12 Years 275 Pages
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By: Brian Selznick
Have you ever wondered about the incredible journey a tiny seed takes to become a magnificent giant of the forest? Meet a small, brave seed who feels lost and completely unsure of its purpose in a vast, unpredictable world. When danger strikes, this little seed is sent on an epic adventure through time and nature. Along the way, it must learn about life, growth, and the amazing, invisible connections that link every living thing on Earth together. Surviving dinosaur stomps, meteor showers, and the challenges of the natural world requires an enormous amount of bravery. This beautifully illustrated adventure invites you to discover the wonders of nature and the quiet strength hiding inside even the smallest creations. From its humble beginnings to its destiny as a towering giant, this tale celebrates resilience, hope, and the power of finding your true place in the universe. Get ready for a captivating story that will change the way you look at the trees outside your window forever!
Adventure Courage Environment Nature Illustrated Fiction
6-8 Years 9-12 Years
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By: Brian Selznick
Danny is spending his sixteenth summer wandering the ancient, sun-drenched streets of Rome while his mother works long hours at a museum. Just as the lonely days begin to blur together, he crosses paths with Angelo, a mysterious and captivating boy his own age. As the two boys explore the breathtaking city, they begin piecing together Rome's ancient secrets while slowly building the courage to share their own hidden histories. Their fast friendship quickly blooms into a deep, complicated affection that leaves Danny both thrilled and terrified about what the future holds. Having never really known a true home or experienced the love of another boy, Danny must decide if he is ready to take the biggest risk of his life. Lose yourself in this beautifully illustrated, deeply romantic story about discovering who you are during one unforgettable summer.
Cities Travel
9-12 Years 320 Pages
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By: Brian Selznick
Have you ever wondered what it actually takes to turn a beloved novel into a major motion picture? Grab your backstage pass and step directly onto the set of Wonderstruck. In this fascinating behind-the-scenes guide, author and screenwriter Brian Selznick takes you on a personal tour of the filmmaking process. You will flip through fun set photos, read lively interviews with the cast and crew, and discover the hidden secrets of set design and costuming. The book itself is a unique reversible adventure, with one side bursting with the groovy colors of the 1970s and the other side styled in the glamorous black-and-white tones of the 1920s. Whether you are a huge fan of the original book or just curious about how Hollywood magic really happens, this scrapbook offers an unforgettable VIP experience.
Art History Movies Museums Non-Fiction
9-12 Years 94 Pages
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By: Brian Selznick
Have you ever felt like a crucial piece of your life is missing? For Ben and Rose, that feeling is all too real, even though they live fifty years apart. In 1977, Ben is reeling from the loss of his mother and longing for the father he has never known. When he discovers a mysterious clue hidden in his mother's room, he sets off on a desperate journey to New York City. Meanwhile, in 1927, Rose is isolated and dreaming of a famous actress whose life she carefully tracks in a scrapbook. A tempting newspaper headline pushes her to risk everything and run away to find the connection she craves. Told in a groundbreaking format, Ben's story unfolds through words while Rose's adventure is told entirely through stunning, detailed pictures. As you dive into this breathtaking mystery, you will watch these two independent quests weave back and forth. How their paths ultimately cross will surprise and challenge you. Get ready to experience a rich, complex, and beautiful tale about family, belonging, and the magic of discovery.
Art Family Fiction Graphic Novels Mystery
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 640 Pages
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A Behind the Scenes Look at how a Beloved Book Became a Major Motion Picture

By: Brian Selznick
Making a movie is a massive puzzle, and you are about to see how all the pieces fit together. Join author Brian Selznick on an exclusive journey behind the camera as his award-winning story transforms into a spectacular motion picture directed by Martin Scorsese. You will explore a treasure trove of full-color photographs straight from the set, alongside fascinating interviews with the actors and the brilliant crew who brought the streets of Paris to life. Discover the incredible history of early filmmaking, learn the secrets behind the mysterious mechanical automatons, and compare original book sketches with the final movie props and costumes. Packed with behind-the-scenes trivia and a special essay on the birth of cinema, this immersive guide is your ultimate ticket to understanding the magic of the silver screen.
Art History Inventions Movies Non-Fiction
9-12 Years 255 Pages
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By: Brian Selznick
Because he was born on Halloween, ten-year-old Alonzo King has a massive, unmatched obsession with monsters. Most kids dream of being astronauts or athletes, but Alonzo spends his days studying classic horror films and practicing his monster makeup, dreaming of becoming the legendary Boy of a Thousand Faces. He even lives in a creepy old house with a graveyard right in the backyard! But his playful obsession becomes frighteningly real when a mysterious creature known only as The Beast suddenly begins stalking his quiet town. For the first time ever, Alonzo's extensive monster knowledge is put to the ultimate test. Can he track down this terrifying creature before it is too late? Join Alonzo on a thrilling, hilarious adventure as he attempts to solve the ultimate mystery and prove he is a true master of monsters.
Holidays Humor Monsters Mystery
9-12 Years 48 Pages
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An Illuminating History of Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, Artist and Lecturer

By: Barbara Kerley , Brian Selznick
Long before museums were filled with massive fossil skeletons, nobody knew what a dinosaur actually looked like. Enter Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, a visionary Victorian artist who decided to bring these awe-inspiring ancient creatures back to life. Armed with science and an incredible imagination, he set out to build the world's very first life-sized dinosaur models to educate and amaze the public. Building these colossal beasts was no easy task, requiring tons of clay, iron, and an unwavering dedication to his craft. Discover the fascinating true story of how one man's monumental art project completely changed the way we view the prehistoric world. With stunning illustrations that capture the grand scale of his work, this inspiring biography proves that sometimes, the biggest dreams really do leave a lasting footprint on history.
Art Biography Dinosaurs History Science Picture Books
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 62 Pages
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The True Recital of Marian Anderson

By: Brian Selznick , Pam Muñoz Ryan
Step into the extraordinary life of Marian Anderson, a young girl with a voice that could move mountains. From her early days singing in local choirs to becoming the very first African American to perform at the legendary Metropolitan Opera, Marian's journey is one of incredible perseverance and breathtaking talent. But her path was never easy. Facing unfair rules and deep prejudice, Marian used the undeniable beauty of her voice to break down barriers and demand equality. This inspiring true story, brought to life with striking illustrations, shows how one woman's courage and dedication to her art helped spark important social change across the nation. Discover the power of a single voice to challenge history and uplift the world in this beautiful tribute to a musical pioneer.
Biography Diverse Voices History Music Picture Books
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 40 Pages
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By: Brian Selznick , Andrew Clements
Do you love a good story? What if you wrote one so amazing that your best friend thought it should be published? That's exactly what happens to Natalie. She's written a fantastic novel, and her best friend, Zoe, is sure it's good enough for everyone to read! There's just one problem: Natalie is only twelve years old. How can a kid get a book published? Natalie's mom works as an editor for a big publishing company, but Natalie doesn't want to ask her for special help. That's when Zoe gets a super-smart idea! What if Natalie uses a secret pen name, and Zoe pretends to be her grown-up literary agent? Join Natalie and Zoe as they try to pull off a clever plan! It won't be easy for two sixth graders to act like adults, even with a little help from some grown-ups who are curious but not totally convinced. Can these two best friends make their book a bestseller and keep their secret safe? Get ready for a story about big dreams, teamwork, and the hilarious adventures of trying to publish a book!
Creativity Fiction Friendship Humor Problem Solving Schools
9-12 Years 224 Pages
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By: Brian Selznick , David Serlin
Who do you call when you have a major mystery on your hands? Meet Baby Monkey. He is a baby, he is a monkey, and he is a brilliant private detective! Whether it is tracking down stolen jewels, finding a missing pizza, or locating a hijacked spaceship, there is no case too big for this little hero to solve. There is just one tiny problem: Baby Monkey has a really tough time putting on his pants. This completely unique book blends the format of a picture book, an early reader, and a graphic novel into one thrilling, hilarious adventure. Featuring fantastic black-and-white drawings accented with bright pops of red, it is an absolute joy to read aloud. Get ready to giggle and guess along with the most adorable detective in town.
Animals Humor Mystery Early Readers Picture Books
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 197 Pages
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By: David Levithan , Brian Selznick
When Ben loses his girlfriend, Marly, his entire world shatters. With her gone, life feels completely meaningless, and the approaching Valentine's Day only serves as a bitter, hollow reminder of everything he has lost. He expects to spend the day wallowing in grief, but the universe has an entirely different plan. Suddenly, Marly's ghost appears before him, setting the stage for an extraordinary and haunting intervention. Guided by three other mysterious spirits, Ben is forced onto a painful but necessary journey through Valentine's Days of his past, present, and future. This brilliant, modern twist on a beloved holiday classic forces Ben to confront his deepest fears and hardest truths about love. You will be completely swept away by this deeply emotional exploration of heartbreak, healing, and finding a way to move forward.
Ghosts
13-18 Years 215 Pages
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By: Andrew Clements , Brian Selznick
Twelve-year-old Greg Kenton has two major obsessions in life: making huge piles of cash and beating his annoying neighbor, Maura Shaw, at absolutely everything. Right before sixth grade begins, Greg realizes his school is a giant piggy bank just waiting to be cracked. His brilliant plan is to sell chunky, self-illustrated comic books to his classmates for spare change. The business is booming until Maura steps in, launching her own line of high-quality mini-books and threatening his monopoly. Just as their fierce rivalry turns into a surprising business partnership, the school principal shuts down their entire operation. Now, these lifelong enemies must figure out how to work together as a team to save their beloved enterprise. Get ready for a hilarious, fast-paced story about ambition, teamwork, and the true value of a hard-earned quarter.
Friendship Humor Problem Solving Schools
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 240 Pages
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By: Brian Selznick , Andrew Clements , John Fleming
Nick Allen is known for having plenty of great ideas, especially when it comes to livening up a boring school day. But when his strict fifth-grade language arts teacher, Mrs. Granger, assigns a massive project on the dictionary, Nick decides to test the true power of words. Who says a pen has to be called a pen? Why not invent a brand new word and call it a frindle? What starts as a simple classroom joke quickly spirals into a massive, unstoppable movement. Soon, the entire town is using his new word, and Nick becomes a local legend. But as the frindle craze spreads across the country, Nick realizes his clever invention no longer belongs to him. Dive into this hilarious and thought-provoking story about the incredible impact of a single creative idea.
Creativity Humor Problem Solving Schools
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 105 Pages
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The Doll People

The Doll People

By: Ann M. Martin , Brian Selznick , Laura Godwin
Annabelle Doll is eight years old, and she has been exactly eight years old for over a century. Cooped up inside her beautiful antique dollhouse, her porcelain family strictly follows the ancient Doll Code of Honor, never moving a muscle when humans are watching. Life is safe, quiet, and completely boring. But everything turns upside down the day the Funcrafts a bright, boisterous family of modern plastic dolls move into the bedroom. They do not know anything about the rules, and they certainly do not know how to play it safe. When Annabelle decides to team up with the daring Tiffany Funcraft to solve the long-standing mystery of her missing aunt, they embark on a dangerous expedition across the massive human house. Discover a secret world hiding right in plain sight in this delightful, charming adventure.
Adventure Family Fantasy Friendship
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 256 Pages
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By: Andrew Clements , Brian Selznick , Salvatore Murdocca
Cara Landry is the new kid at Denton Elementary, and she is already facing a major problem. Her fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Larson, seems to have completely given up on teaching. He spends his days reading the newspaper and drinking coffee while the class sits in silence. Fed up with the lack of learning, Cara decides to take matters into her own hands by publishing her very own classroom newspaper: The Landry News. What starts as a small personal project quickly transforms the entire classroom, inspiring her classmates to become reporters and writers. But when the school principal gets his hands on a copy featuring a brutally honest editorial, the stakes suddenly skyrocket. Will Cara's dedication to the truth end up costing her teacher his job? Discover the true power of journalism in this gripping school story.
Communication Creativity Honesty Leadership Schools Social Justice Teamwork
9-12 Years 145 Pages
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By: Ann M. Martin , Brian Selznick , Laura Godwin
Annabelle Doll and her fearless best friend, Tiffany Funcraft, are about to leave the safety of their dollhouse far behind. Seeking a little excitement, the two adventurous dolls secretly hitch a ride in their human owner's backpack for a terrifying field trip to the real world: school! But disaster strikes when they accidentally end up in the wrong backpack and are carried away to a strange new house. There, they come face-to-face with Princess Mimi, a terrifyingly cruel doll who rules her territory with an iron fist and actively threatens all dollkind. Now, Annabelle and Tiffany must use every ounce of their bravery and wit to outsmart Princess Mimi and find their way back home. You will be cheering out loud for these tiny heroes in this fast-paced, high-stakes sequel.
Adventure Courage Fantasy Friendship
6-8 Years 9-12 Years 260 Pages
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By: Walt Whitman , Brian Selznick , Karen Karbiener , Anthony Opal
Long before the modern world understood the beauty of same sex relationships, a famous poet named Walt Whitman secretly wrote twelve deeply personal poems. As he turned forty years old, Whitman reflected on his friendships and feelings for other men, capturing a powerful sense of love and longing. He carefully kept these writings hidden in a handmade notebook titled Live Oak, With Moss. Now, decades later, you can finally experience this lost masterpiece. Acclaimed illustrator Brian Selznick brings Whitman's quiet reflections to life through a series of stunning, emotional visual narratives that capture the passion of the original words. Alongside the artwork, scholar Karen Karbiener helps uncover the fascinating history behind how this poetic cluster was created and ultimately kept secret for so long. This unique book blends classic American literature with breathtaking artwork, offering a thoughtful journey into the heart and mind of one of history's greatest writers. It stands out as a celebration of identity, courage, and the enduring power of finding your own voice.
Art Diverse Voices History Poetry
9-12 Years 192 Pages
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Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids

By: Peter Lerangis , Phyllis Reynolds Naylor , Linda Sue Park , Brian Selznick , Rita Williams-Garcia , Grace Lin , Elissa Brent Weissman , Kwame Alexander , Chris Grabenstein , Gail Carson Levine , Tom Angleberger , Kathi Appelt , Ashley Bryan , Tim Federle , Candace Fleming , Marla Frazee , Chris Gall , Alex Gino , Gordon Korman , Jarrett J. Krosoczka , Thanhha Lai , Yuyi Morales , R. J. Palacio , Dan Santat , Cynthia Leitich Smith , Eric Rohmann
Have you ever wondered what your favorite authors and illustrators were like before they became famous? Every great storyteller has to start somewhere, and the journey is rarely perfect. This unique and deeply inspiring collection pulls back the curtain on the childhoods of some of today's most beloved creators. Before they were winning massive awards and topping the bestseller lists, these brilliant artists were just regular kids trying to find their creative voices. You will discover the very early, sometimes embarrassing, and always fascinating works of celebrated writers and artists. Read a third grade writing assignment that sparked a lifelong passion, explore the early sketches of a future illustrator, and see the discarded drafts that eventually turned into brilliant poetry. This collection reveals the failures, the rough drafts, and the vital moments of encouragement that helped shape these incredible minds. It is a powerful reminder that creativity takes practice and patience. Whether you love writing, drawing, or just a good story, these vulnerable and smart childhood memories will inspire you to pick up a pencil and start creating your own masterpiece.
Anthologies Biography Creativity Essays Non-Fiction
9-12 Years 208 Pages
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By: Pam Muñoz Ryan , Brian Selznick , Nuria Molinero , Philippe Poirier , Hélène Georges , Dominique Delord , Pat Lessie
Life at the orphanage is tough, but young Charlotte Parkhurst has a secret weapon: an incredible way with horses. Determined to take control of her own destiny, Charlotte hatches a daring plan. She escapes the orphanage, disguises herself as a boy named Charley, and begins a thrilling new life on the open road. With incredible skill and unmatched bravery, Charley quickly rises to become one of the most famous and respected stagecoach drivers in all of California. You will be on the edge of your seat as Charley outsmarts dangerous bandits, navigates treacherous trails, and pursues a lifelong dream of owning a farm out west. Based on the amazing true story of a legendary figure, this fast-paced adventure explores exactly what it takes to live life entirely on your own terms.
Action Courage Horses
9-12 Years 148 Pages
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