Neal Shusterman Eric Elfman

Neal Shusterman, born November 12, 1962, is an American author primarily known for his young adult fiction. Raised in Brooklyn and later Mexico City, his international experiences in adolescence are noted to have significantly shaped his perspective and confidence. He pursued psychology and theater at the University of California, Irvine, before embarking on his writing career. Shusterman has garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2015 for 'Challenger Deep' and a Michael L. Printz Honor for 'Scythe' in 2017. In 2024, he received the Margaret Edwards Award for his enduring impact on teen literature.

His extensive bibliography includes several series such as 'Arc of a Scythe,' 'The Skinjacker trilogy,' and 'The Unwind dystology,' as well as standalone novels and collaborations. Shusterman has also ventured into screenwriting for television and film, contributing to shows like 'Goosebumps' and 'Animorphs,' and movies such as 'Pixel Perfect.' His work has been adapted for other media, with 'Unwind' and 'Scythe' being developed into television and film projects, respectively. He has also co-authored works with Eric Elfman and his son, Jarrod Shusterman.

Born on November 12, 1962, Neal Shusterman spent his formative years in Brooklyn, New York City. His family background is Jewish. A significant turning point in his life occurred at age 16 when his family relocated to Mexico City. Completing his high school education at the American School Foundation there, Shusterman has spoken about how this international exposure provided him with a broadened worldview and a strengthened sense of self-assurance. He later attended the University of California, Irvine, where he pursued a dual major in psychology and theater, while also participating in the varsity swim team.

Following his university studies, Shusterman began his professional journey in Los Angeles, working at a talent agency where he secured his first book deal and screenwriting job within a year. His career has been marked by critical acclaim, earning him prestigious awards such as the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award and the California Young Reader Medal for 'The Schwa Was Here.' His novel 'Challenger Deep' was honored with the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2015. Furthermore, 'Scythe' received a Michael L. Printz Honor in 2017. In recognition of his substantial and lasting contributions to literature for young readers, Shusterman was presented with the Margaret Edwards Award in 2024. He has also been recognized internationally, winning the Youth Jury Prize at the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis in 2019.

Shusterman's prolific output spans numerous fiction series, including 'Arc of a Scythe,' 'The Unwind dystology,' 'The Skinjacker trilogy,' and 'The Accelerati trilogy,' often co-authored with Eric Elfman. He has also penned standalone novels and graphic novels. Several of his works have been optioned for adaptations; 'Unwind' is in development as a television series, and 'Scythe' is being adapted into a feature film. 'Challenger Deep' was acquired by Disney+ for a film adaptation. Beyond his novel writing, Shusterman has contributed to television, writing for shows like 'Goosebumps' and 'Animorphs,' and penning the Disney Channel Original Movie 'Pixel Perfect.'

“Having an international experience changed my life, giving me a fresh perspective on the world, and a sense of confidence I might not have otherwise.”