Richard Platt

Richard Platt, born in Northumberland, England on April 15, 1953, is a British writer whose work primarily targets children and young adults, encompassing nonfiction and multimedia creations. He began his writing career at age 27 with photography-related content before shifting to children's non-fiction in 1992. His early success in this field came through collaborations, notably with illustrator Stephen Biesty, whose detailed cross-sectional drawings were a key feature of their joint projects.

Platt has since authored approximately 100 books for prominent UK publishers like Oxford University Press, Kingfisher, Dorling Kindersley, and Walker Books, with US editions often published by Candlewick Press. While most of his output is for younger audiences, he also writes for adults, frequently exploring maritime subjects, with a particular interest in smuggling. A significant portion of his career has been dedicated to creating engaging informational books that educate readers on historical periods and subjects.

A notable contribution by Richard Platt is his 'Diary' series, which features first-person journal entries from historical perspectives. The series began with 'Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess, Page' in 1999, which Platt described as his initial foray into fiction. This was followed by the highly acclaimed 'Pirate Diary: The Journal of Jake Carpenter' in 2001, illustrated by Chris Riddell. This book achieved significant recognition, winning the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Book with Facts, while Riddell received the Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration, marking the first time an information book had won the award since 1975. The 'Diary' books, typically 64 pages long, aim to educate readers by presenting historical events and lifestyles through personal narratives, covering topics such as piracy and life in ancient Egypt and Rome.

Platt's 'Diary' series exemplifies his approach to creating informational books. By adopting a first-person fictionalized narrative, he aims to make historical subjects more accessible and engaging for young readers. 'Pirate Diary,' for instance, details the experiences of an apprentice sailor, offering insights into the complexities of piracy, including its less savory aspects. This method of storytelling, blending factual content with a personal voice, is a hallmark of Platt's work, though he notes that the 'Diary' series represented his first attempt at fictionalization within his otherwise non-fiction-focused career. His books consistently strive to educate while maintaining narrative interest.

“my first attempt at fiction”