Margo Bond Collins

John Michael Green, born in 1977, is an American author and YouTuber whose works have achieved significant global sales, including the best-selling novel 'The Fault in Our Stars.' His distinctive voice and rapid rise to prominence are recognized for influencing the young adult fiction landscape. Beyond literature, Green is a prominent figure in online video, notably through his collaborations with his brother Hank Green on the Vlogbrothers YouTube channel, which fostered a community known as Nerdfighteria and the annual fundraiser Project for Awesome.

Green's literary career began with 'Looking for Alaska' (2005), which earned the Michael L. Printz Award. Subsequent novels like 'An Abundance of Katherines' (2006), 'Paper Towns' (2008), and 'Will Grayson, Will Grayson' (2010) further established his presence. His work often explores themes of adolescence, identity, and mental health, with later novels like 'Turtles All the Way Down' (2017) directly addressing his experiences with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Green also ventured into nonfiction with 'The Anthropocene Reviewed' (2021), adapting his podcast of the same name. His influence extends to media, with numerous adaptations of his books into films and television. He was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in 2014.

John Green's journey into writing began after a period of introspection following his time as a student chaplain at a children's hospital. This experience, coupled with his earlier struggles with anxiety and bullying, informed his perspective. He worked at Booklist magazine, reviewing numerous books and honing his craft. His debut novel, 'Looking for Alaska' (2005), a coming-of-age story inspired by his boarding school experiences, received critical acclaim and the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award. This recognition significantly boosted its sales and marked a pivotal moment in his career, leading him to leave his editorial role. His second novel, 'An Abundance of Katherines' (2006), explored similar themes of intelligence and emotional struggle with a more comedic tone, also garnering award nominations.

In 2007, John Green, alongside his brother Hank, launched the Vlogbrothers YouTube channel, initiating a significant online presence. This venture not only created a platform for their personal vlogs but also cultivated a dedicated online community known as Nerdfighteria. The channel's success led to the creation of Project for Awesome, an annual fundraising event. Green also expanded his online video projects to include educational content like the Crash Course channel. His literary output continued with collaborative works such as 'Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances' (2008) and 'Will Grayson, Will Grayson' (2010), demonstrating his versatility in co-authoring. The period from 2010 to 2013 also saw the launch of VidCon, an annual conference for online video creators.

Green's 2012 novel, 'The Fault in Our Stars,' achieved massive commercial and critical success, becoming one of the best-selling books of all time and leading to a highly successful film adaptation. This novel, which deals with teenage cancer patients, resonated deeply with a global audience. Following this success, Green continued to explore complex themes, including mental health. His novel 'Turtles All the Way Down' (2017) directly addressed his personal struggles with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He also adapted his podcast, 'The Anthropocene Reviewed,' into a nonfiction book in 2021, where he critically examined various aspects of the human-dominated geological epoch on a five-star scale.

In recent years, John Green has become a notable advocate for global health initiatives. He serves as a trustee for Partners In Health (PIH), actively supporting their efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Sierra Leone and combat tuberculosis worldwide. His commitment to these causes is reflected in his ongoing work and public advocacy. Green's literary endeavors continue with his first novel intended for adult readers, titled 'Hollywood, Ending,' scheduled for release in September 2026, and a second nonfiction book, 'Everything Is Tuberculosis,' planned for March 2025, further showcasing his diverse writing interests and philanthropic engagement.