Jonathan Auxier

Jonathan Auxier, born in 1981, is a celebrated author of young adult literature, holding dual Canadian-American citizenship. His career has seen him achieve bestseller status and critical recognition for his imaginative novels. Auxier's educational background includes a BA from Trinity Western University and an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. He initially pursued screenwriting in Los Angeles before dedicating himself to writing novels. His creative process sometimes involves developing ideas from personal projects, such as the genesis of his novel 'Peter Nimble'. Auxier currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife and three daughters. His work often explores themes of magic, adventure, and the power of stories, resonating with young readers and earning him numerous accolades.

Jonathan Auxier has established himself as a prominent voice in young adult literature, earning both New York Times bestselling status and significant critical acclaim. His novels are noted for their imaginative scope and engaging narratives. Among his most recognized works are the series "The Vanished Kingdom," which includes "Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes," "Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard," and "The War of the Maps." Auxier's standalone novels, "The Night Gardener" and "Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster," have also garnered widespread praise and numerous awards. His ability to craft compelling stories that transport readers to fantastical realms has cemented his reputation as a gifted storyteller.

Auxier's journey into novel writing was partly shaped by his academic pursuits and early career aspirations. After completing his graduate studies, he moved to Los Angeles with the intention of pursuing a career in screenwriting. During his time in graduate school, he engaged in a personal project that would eventually evolve into his novel "Peter Nimble." This demonstrates a creative process where initial ideas, perhaps explored in a less formal capacity, can be nurtured and developed into full-fledged literary works. His background in dramatic writing may also inform his approach to character development and narrative structure in his novels.

The literary achievements of Jonathan Auxier have been recognized with several prestigious awards. His 2014 novel, "The Night Gardener," received the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award and the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children Award. It was also a finalist for the Governor General's Award for English-language children's literature. Further acclaim came in 2018 when Auxier won the Governor General's Award for "Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster." This novel also secured the Children's/YA prize at the 2019 Vine Awards for Canadian Jewish Literature, highlighting the broad impact and appreciation of his storytelling.