Picture a Polish-born storyteller who traded a clunky typewriter for magical worlds and witty heroines—meet Anna Staniszewski! This celebrated children’s author, now a beloved voice in middle-grade and young adult fiction, spins tales that blend fairy-tale charm with real-world heart. From her whimsical My Very UnFairy Tale Life series to the relatable The Dirt Diary, Staniszewski’s stories captivate young readers with humor and adventure.
Born in Warsaw, Poland, and raised in Westborough, Massachusetts, Anna’s journey from a poetry-scribbling kid to an award-winning author is as enchanting as her books. Her unique perspective, shaped by a bicultural upbringing, infuses her work with authenticity and a playful twist on classic storytelling.
The Making of Anna Staniszewski
Anna’s love for stories bloomed early, fueled by Polish and English tales she devoured as a child. She spent hours hammering out poems and stories on an old Polish typewriter, though she jokingly calls her early work “terrible.” Her passion for writing led her to Simmons College, where she earned an MA in Children’s Literature and an MFA in Writing for Children. A stint as Writer-in-Residence at the Boston Public Library and a teaching role at Simmons honed her craft. In 2009, her manuscript The Tinkerers won the Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award, marking her rise in the literary world.
Anna Staniszewski’s Unforgettable Stories
Anna’s books are a delightful mix of magic, humor, and relatable struggles, perfect for young readers navigating their own adventures. Her debut, My Very UnFairy Tale Life (2011), follows Jenny, a reluctant adventurer who battles unicorns and evil sorcerers while craving a normal middle-school life. The series, including My Epic Fairy Tale Fail and My Sort of Fairy Tale Ending, reimagines fairy tales with a sassy, modern twist.
In The Dirt Diary series, Anna shifts to contemporary YA, introducing Rachel, an eighth-grader who uncovers secrets while cleaning houses for her mom’s business. With titles like The Prank List and The Gossip File, the series tackles bullying, family issues, and teenage insecurities with wit and warmth. Anna’s picture books, like Dogosaurus Rex and Beast in Show, showcase her knack for quirky, heartwarming tales. Her writing style—fast-paced, humorous, and emotionally resonant—makes her stories both accessible and unforgettable.
With over thirty books to her name, Anna’s versatility shines through in novels like Clique Here and The Wonder of Wildflowers, which explore identity and belonging. Her ability to weave cultural nuances, like Rachel’s biracial Korean-American heritage in The Dirt Diary, adds depth to her characters and resonates with diverse readers.
Why Anna Staniszewski Matters
Anna Staniszewski’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that empower young readers. Her heroines, like Jenny and Rachel, face fantastical or everyday challenges with courage and humor, inspiring kids to embrace their own quirks. Her bicultural lens brings fresh perspectives to children’s literature, making her a vital voice in a genre that thrives on imagination and relatability. As a teacher, Anna also nurtures the next generation of writers, sharing her passion for storytelling.
Her work has earned accolades, including the PEN New England Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award, and her books consistently delight readers and critics alike. Anna’s stories remind us that magic—whether in a fairy-tale kingdom or a middle-school hallway—is always within reach.
- Born: Warsaw, Poland
- Raised: Westborough, Massachusetts
- Key Works: My Very UnFairy Tale Life, The Dirt Diary, Dogosaurus Rex
- Awards: Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award (2009)
Snag My Very UnFairy Tale Life or The Dirt Diary and dive into Anna Staniszewski’s whimsical, heartfelt world—perfect for kids and kids at heart!