You Choose Books

Michael Burgan has written numerous books for children and young adults. Many of his books have focused on US history, geography, and the lives of world leaders. He has also written fiction and adapted classic novels. Michael has won several awards for his writing, and his graphic novel version of the classic tale Frankenstein (Stone Arch Books) was a Junior Library Guild selection. Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in history. When not writing for kids, he enjoys writing plays, and his works have been staged across the United States. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his cat, Callie.

Matt Doeden is a freelance author and editor from Minnesota. He’s written numerous children’s books on sports, music, current events, the military, extreme survival, and much more. His books Sandy Koufax (Twenty-First Century Books, 2006) and Tom Brady: Unlikely Champion (Twenty-First Century Books, 2011) were Junior Library Guild selections. Doeden began his career as a sports writer before turning to publishing. He lives in Minnesota with his wife and two children.

Jessica Gunderson grew up in the small town of Washburn, North Dakota. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota and an MFA in Creative Writing from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has written more than fifty books for young readers. Her book Ropes of Revolution won the 2008 Moonbeam Award for best graphic novel. She currently lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and cat.

Thomas Kingsley Troupe has written more than 30 children’s books. His book ‘Legend of the Werewolf ‘(Picture Window Books, 2011) received a bronze medal for the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award. Thomas lives in Woodbury, Minnesota with his wife and two young boys.

Pippa Goodhart received a history degree and trained to be a teacher. She worked in a children’s bookstore before switching to publishing. Her first book, Flow, was short-listed for the Nestlé Smarties Children’s Book Prize. She has since published forty-six other books, including novels, early readers, and picture books. She lives in Cambridgeshire, England, with her husband.

Alex Lopez is from Sabadell, Spain. He became a professional illustrator and comic-book artist in 2001, but he’s been drawing ever since he can remember. Lopez’s pieces have been published in many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, and Turkey. He’s also worked on a variety of projects from illustrated books to video games to marketing pieces.

Alessandro Valdrighi was born by the sea in 1980 in beautiful Castiglione della Pescaia, Italy. He studied at the prestigious Accademia di Belle Arti (Academy of Fine Arts) in Florence and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree as a set designer. Alessandro learned to draw at an early age by copying comics and illustrations from books. He believes this is the reason he is now successful using multiple art styles. Alessandro has worked as a cartoonist, illustrator, and concept artist in both traditional and digital media. In 2011 he won a prize for his work on Lágrimas en la lluvia, featured as the best comic book publication in Spain. Alessandro lives and works in Siena, Italy, with his wife and baby, and a crazy cat.

Nick Sharratt is the bestselling illustrator of over 250 books for children including books by Jacqueline Wilson, Julia Donaldson, and Michael Rosen. His instantly recognizable art style has delighted children for years. He lives in England. Visit Nick online at www.nicksharratt.com and @nicksharratt1.