Jordan Sonnenblick

Jordan Sonnenblick, born July 4, 1969, is an American author specializing in young adult fiction. He grew up in Staten Island, New York, and attended Stuyvesant High School before graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. After college, he married and moved to Pennsylvania, where he currently resides with his family in Bethlehem. Sonnenblick dedicated years to teaching, serving as a fifth-grade teacher in Houston, Texas, and an eighth-grade English teacher in New Jersey. He eventually retired from teaching to focus entirely on his writing career. His debut novel, "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie," was motivated by a student whose sibling was dealing with cancer. He is also a musician, playing guitar, drums, and bass. Sonnenblick actively engages with young readers, frequently visiting schools both domestically and internationally to discuss his work. As of 2023, he has authored fourteen books since his writing career began in 2004.

Born on July 4, 1969, Jordan Sonnenblick's early life included time at Fort Leonard Wood, though he is primarily associated with Staten Island, New York. He completed his secondary education at Stuyvesant High School in New York City in 1987. Following this, he pursued higher education at the University of Pennsylvania. During his high school years, Sonnenblick gained experience through various roles, including working as a tutor and a summer camp counselor. These formative experiences likely contributed to his later career path and his ability to connect with young people.

Before dedicating himself to writing, Jordan Sonnenblick had a significant career in education. He taught fifth grade for three years in Houston, Texas. He then moved to New Jersey, where he spent eleven years teaching eighth-grade English at middle schools in Hackettstown and Phillipsburg. It was after retiring from his teaching profession that he fully committed to his aspiration of becoming an author. His first novel, "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie," published in 2004, was directly inspired by a personal connection to a student whose brother was undergoing cancer treatment, highlighting his empathetic approach to storytelling.

Jordan Sonnenblick's literary contributions are primarily in the young adult genre. His writing often draws from relatable experiences and addresses themes pertinent to adolescent life. The inspiration for his debut novel, "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie," demonstrates his commitment to exploring sensitive topics with authenticity. Beyond his writing, Sonnenblick is also a musician, proficient with guitar, drums, and bass. He remains actively involved in the literary community by visiting schools across the United States and internationally, sharing his insights and fostering a connection with his readership. He has continued to substitute teach at Phillipsburg High School, teaching sophomore English classes during the first semester of the 2023-24 academic year.