Award-winning author of novels and poetry for children and young adults, exploring themes of family, identity, and self-discovery.
Sharon Creech is a renowned American writer of children's novels, celebrated for her poignant and humorous stories that have captured the hearts of readers worldwide. She is the first American winner of the prestigious Carnegie Medal for British children's books and the first person to win both the American Newbery Medal and the British Carnegie Medal.
Sharon Creech was born on July 29, 1945, in South Euclid, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. She grew up with her parents, Ann and Arvel, and her siblings, Sandy, Dennis, Doug, and Tom. Her frequent visits to her cousins in Quincy, Lewis County, Kentucky, would later inspire the fictional town of Bybanks, Kentucky, which appears in several of her novels.
Creech's fascination with storytelling began during her college years, where she took literature and writing courses. She later taught English and writing in secondary schools in England and Switzerland. Her first children's novel, Absolutely Normal Chaos, was published in the UK in 1990 and was hailed as a "comedy about contemporary teen life" by Kirkus Reviews.
Her breakthrough novel, Walk Two Moons, published in 1994, won the American Newbery Medal in 1995. This success was followed by the publication of Absolutely Normal Chaos in the US in 1995. Creech returned to the US in 1998 after 18 years abroad and has since continued to write novels and picture books that have captivated readers of all ages.
Creech's writing style is characterized by her ability to embed serious topics into her stories, often using humor to soften them. Her novels explore themes such as independence, trust, childhood, adulthood, and death, making her works relatable and accessible to young readers.
Some of her notable works, like Love That Dog and Heartbeat, are written in verse, while others, like Ruby Holler and Walk Two Moons, are written in a narrative style.
Sharon Creech has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to children's literature. Some of her notable awards include:
Sharon Creech is married to Lyle Rigg, a headmaster in New Jersey, and has two grown children, Rob and Karin. She continues to write and reside in the US, inspiring a new generation of readers and writers with her remarkable stories.
Sharon Creech's contributions to children's literature have left an indelible mark on the literary world. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Her work continues to inspire young readers, fostering a love for literature and storytelling that will be cherished for generations to come.
88 Years Old
A beloved author of children's and young adult books, known for tackling tough topics like puberty, identity, and relationships in relatable and accessible ways. Her books have been a staple in many childhoods and continue to resonate with readers today.
89 Years Old
Award-winning author of children's literature, known for thought-provoking and often dystopian novels that explore complex social issues, such as The Giver and Number the Stars.
Born in 1916
Beloved author of humorous and relatable children's books, including the iconic Henry Huggins and Ramona series, that have captivated generations of young readers.
Born in 1903
A Polish-American writer who crafted poignant, introspective stories that explored the human condition, often drawing from his Jewish heritage and experiences. His works are celebrated for their nuanced characters and philosophical depth.
96 Years Old
Award-winning author and illustrator of beloved children's books, including "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" and "The View from Saturday", known for her witty and insightful storytelling.
Born in 1918
Renowned author of young adult fiction, particularly the iconic "A Wrinkle in Time" series, which explores themes of science, philosophy, and fantasy. Her works have captivated readers of all ages with their unique blend of adventure, spirituality, and social commentary.
