17 Children’s Book Authors Whose Books are Modern Classics
When you think of classic children’s book authors, who do you think of? Dr. Seuss? E.B. White? C.S. Lewis? All classic authors have to start somewhere! Here are 16 authors whose books are modern classics and must-haves for your library.
Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Recent Newbery Honor winner Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s books are literary page-turners. Goodbye Canterbury Tales, hello The Book of Boy!
Stuart Gibbs
New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs is known for his Spy School series, but he is also the author of The Last Musketeer time-traveling series that reimagines the classic Three Musketeer’s adventure!
David Walliams
Hailed as “the heir to Roald Dahl,” David Walliams is an actor, comedian, television personality, and New York Times bestselling author. His books are the perfect mix of humor, adventure and just the right amount of quirk!
John David Anderson
The author of several critically-acclaimed novels, John David Anderson writes books that can be enjoyed by both boys and girls. Hilarious, heartfelt, and full of unforgettable characters, his books range from contemporary fiction to magical fantasy.
Erin Entrada Kelly
Erin Entrada Kelly received a Newbery Medal for her book, Hello, Universe. Her other books explore a volley of topics such as family, friendship, bullying, and grappling with being different and growing up.
Corey Ann Haydu
Known mostly for her young adult books, but her books for younger readers shouldn’t be missed! Corey Ann Haydu’s books for readers 8+ are a well-crafted mix of magic and hope, guaranteed to enchant.
Nicholas Gannon
A beautiful mix of full-color artwork and black-and-white illustrations, Nicholas Gannon’s first book in the Doldrums series has been described as “a dreamy charmer of a book.” Extremely imaginative, his books are modern classics in the making.
Leslie Connor
Deeply poignant and beautifully crafted, Leslie Connor explores what it means to be human and offers up stories of self-reliance, redemption, and hope.
Katherine Applegate
Katherine Applegate won a Newbery Medal for her novel, The One and Only Ivan and is the bestselling author of recent hits including Wishtree and Crenshaw. Her books are full of hope and connect to different conservation efforts and charitable organizations.
Laurel Snyder
Laurel Snyder is a poet, essayist, and acclaimed children’s book author. Her recent novel, Orphan Island, was a National Book Award longlist title and is comparable to the classic novel, The Giver.
Gordon Korman
Bestselling author Gordon Korman writes books for both kids and teens, and is known for writing books that really capture the voice of kids, without talking down to them. Through wit and humor, he explores the meanings of heroism, family, and identity.
Peter Lerangis
The author of more than one hundred and sixty books, Peter Lerangis is a New York Times bestselling author. A classic book fan himself, his Max Tilt series reimagines Jules Verne’s adventures in a whole new way!
Neil Gaiman
Master storyteller Neil Gaiman is both a Newbery and Carnegie Medal-winning author whose books have long been considered modern classics. Blending fantasy with the supernatural, his books are guaranteed to captivate the attention of even the most reluctant reader.
Sharon Creech
Sharon Creech’s books are stories full of enormous heart. Using her beautiful prose, this Newbery Medal-winning and bestselling author brings to life honest and bittersweet tales of love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion.
Rita Williams-Garcia
Three-time Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Honor winner Rita Williams-Garcia is a distinguished author of several books for young readers. Her heartwarming books explore both social and family dynamics.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce
The winner of numerous awards and honors, Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s stories each feel one-of-a-kind and can be enjoyed by both boy and girl readers. Entirely original, his books blend humor with heartwarming themes.
Linda Sue Park
Another Newbery Medal-winning author (and author of the bestseller A Long Walk to Water), Linda Sue Park writes socially-conscious books for kids that explore the balance between family and duty and environment and home.
Who will you add to your bookshelf?
