Jon Scieszka

Jon Scieszka, born September 8, 1954, is an American author widely recognized for his humorous picture books and young adult novels, often created in collaboration with illustrator Lane Smith. His notable works include "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!" and "Math Curse." Scieszka also penned the "Time Warp Trio" series, which was adapted into a television show. Beyond his writing, he founded "Guys Read," a program dedicated to encouraging boys to become enthusiastic readers. This initiative stemmed from his experiences as an elementary school teacher and data indicating boys' lower reading scores compared to girls.

Scieszka's commitment to youth literature was further highlighted when he was appointed the first U.S. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature in 2008 and 2009. In this role, he traveled extensively, promoting the importance of reading for lifelong literacy and personal development. His educational background includes a B.A. from Albion College and an MFA in fiction writing from Columbia University. He taught for a decade at Trevor Day School in New York City before dedicating himself full-time to writing and touring.

Jon Scieszka is primarily known for his contributions to children's literature, characterized by humor and unconventional approaches to storytelling. His collaborations with illustrator Lane Smith have produced many of his most celebrated works, including "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales" and "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!" These books, along with others like "Math Curse," are often noted for their distinctive, sometimes zany, graphic design, which has influenced other picture book artists. Scieszka's "Time Warp Trio" series, a collection of middle-grade novels that blend history with adventure, further showcases his ability to engage young readers. The series was adapted into a television program, demonstrating its broad appeal.

A significant aspect of Scieszka's career is his dedication to promoting reading among boys. He founded "Guys Read," a web-based initiative aimed at fostering self-motivated, lifelong reading habits in young males. This program was a direct response to his observations as an educator and national statistics revealing a consistent disparity in reading proficiency between boys and girls. His tenure as the first U.S. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature amplified this message, as he traveled to various institutions to advocate for the critical role of literature in education and personal growth, emphasizing choice, broader definitions of reading, and positive role models.

Born in Flint, Michigan, on September 8, 1954, Jon Scieszka received a comprehensive education before embarking on his literary career. He attended Culver Military Academy for high school and later earned a B.A. in English and medical science from Albion College. His pursuit of writing led him to Columbia University, where he obtained a Master of Fine Arts in fiction writing. During his time at Columbia, he supported himself by painting apartments. Following his academic pursuits, Scieszka spent ten years teaching at Trevor Day School in New York City, primarily working with first and second graders, before transitioning to full-time writing and touring.

“loves to make kids laugh”