Picture an American storyteller who turned childhood adventures into heart-tugging tales for young readers—meet Ali Standish! Growing up in North Carolina’s woods, she ruled her backyard kingdom of 'Narbithia,' inspired by literary giants like Katherine Paterson. Now an award-winning children’s novelist, Standish crafts stories that blend mystery, grief, and hope, captivating kids and adults alike.
From her debut, The Ethan I Was Before, to the historical gem Yonder, Standish’s books tackle big emotions with a gentle touch. Her journey from a messy-desk kid to a Carnegie-nominated author is as inspiring as the worlds she creates. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this literary star!
The Making of Ali Standish
Ali Standish grew up in a small town near Greensboro, North Carolina, where creeks and forests fueled her imagination. As a fifth-grader, she devoured Bridge to Terabithia and The Chronicles of Narnia, penning royal adventures in a notebook stashed in a tree hollow. Her passion for storytelling led her to Pomona College for a BA in English, followed by teaching in Washington, D.C.’s public schools. There, she worked with kids who shaped her understanding of loss and resilience, themes that echo in her work.
Standish’s literary path deepened with an MFA in Children’s Writing from Hollins University and an MPhil in Children’s Literature from the University of Cambridge. While living in a quaint UK village, she wrote her debut novel, balancing teaching, editing, and her love for stories. Her Finnish husband and rescue dogs, Bella and Keeper, keep her grounded in Raleigh, where she writes today.
Ali Standish’s Unforgettable Stories
Standish’s novels are a masterclass in weaving complex themes into accessible, magical tales. Her debut, The Ethan I Was Before (2017), follows Ethan, a boy grappling with guilt and tragedy after losing his friend Kacey. With a Southern setting and a touch of mystery, it earned a Carnegie Medal longlist spot and the North Carolina Young People’s Literature Award. Critics praised its sensitive exploration of grief, calling it a modern Bridge to Terabithia.
August Isle (2019) dives into family secrets and redemption, while How to Disappear Completely (2020) tackles vitiligo and loss through a magical lens, inspired by her husband’s diagnosis. Yonder (2022), a WWII-set mystery, explores heroism and prejudice in small-town Appalachia, earning starred reviews for its poignant take on bravery. Standish’s style—lyrical, heartfelt, and subtly magical—makes heavy topics like bullying and mental health relatable for young readers.
Her books, often Junior Library Guild Selections, blend realism with a glimmer of enchantment, drawing comparisons to Kate DiCamillo and Lauren Wolk. Whether it’s a boy searching for a mythical town or a girl facing her changing skin, Standish’s characters navigate life’s messiness with courage and hope.
Why Ali Standish Matters
Ali Standish’s impact lies in her ability to speak to young readers’ hearts. Her stories validate their struggles—grief, identity, injustice—while offering hope and resilience. Teachers and librarians champion her work for sparking tough conversations in classrooms, while indie booksellers praise her for keeping middle-grade fiction vibrant. Awards like the Jane Addams Book Honor and starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly cement her status as a literary force.
Beyond her books, Standish’s journey from a North Carolina dreamer to a global storyteller inspires aspiring writers. Her dedication to independent bookstores and virtual classroom visits during the pandemic shows her commitment to connecting with readers. In a world where kids face big challenges, Standish’s tales remind them they’re not alone.
- Key Works: The Ethan I Was Before, August Isle, How to Disappear Completely, Yonder
- Awards: North Carolina Young People’s Literature Award, Carnegie Medal Longlist, Jane Addams Book Honor
- Fun Fact: She once won an award for the messiest desk in school!
Snag The Ethan I Was Before and dive into Ali Standish’s heartfelt world of mystery and hope!