Iowa is well known for growing corn and soybeans. It also seems to be fertile ground for growing great writers. From picture books to YA fiction, Iowa is home to many talented authors. Following are just a few you and your kids should check out!
Carol Gorman, a Cedar Rapids resident, is an award winning author of middle-grade and YA fiction. The Dork Series is how we came to know the author. The first book of the series titled, A Dork in Disguise is about a 6th grade boy who moves to a new school and tries his best to be popular. Kids can relate to this story because it is about a boy who faces normal middle-school social and emotional challenges of trying to fit in. Visit Carol Gorman’s Facebook Page to find more titles.
Zachary Michael Jack, resides in Jones County and has published more than twenty award-winning books in a variety of genres. Check out these titles: Letters To A Young Iowan: Good Sense From the Good Folks of Iowa For Young People Everywhere and Pond Ball Clintock and the God of Golf: A Novel for True Believers. Zachary’s work with teens includes presentations, workshops and literary outreach events at public libraries and schools nationwide. Visit Zachary’s website for a complete list of publications he’s penned.
Rebecca Janni, my daughter received Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse, from her grandmother as a birthday gift. Which was fitting, since the book is about a girl who wants a horse for her birthday. Since then we’ve also collected Every Cowgirl Needs a Rodeo and Every Cowgirl Needs Dancing Boots. We’ve also had the opportunity to hear the author read to us at school and at the library, since she is a Des Moines area local. Get to know the author by visiting rebeccajanni.com.
Sharelle Byars Moranville, another local, has a long list of children’s books to her credit. A favorite title, The Purple Ribbon is a touching story of an adventurous mouse family and a purple ribbon that is passed from generation to generation. The Hop a middle-grade novel is another good read and is recommended by the author as a good Earth Day read, since it is about a toad trying to save his pond from monstrous earth eating machines. Learn more about the author at sharellebyarsmoranville.com.
Sarah Prineas, is the author of the Magic Thief Series. Once your kids get started with this series they will be on the edge of their seat and won’t be able to put them down. The wizardry and magic theme, which is not scary, are right up an eight to ten year olds alley. Sarah also has authored the Winterling Series and has Ash & Bramble a YA fiction book set to be released in September of 2015. The author lives on 40 acres in rural Iowa. Find out more about Sarah on her website.
Do you have a favorite Iowa author? Give us a recommendation in the comments below.
