Picture a storyteller who spun tales of aliens, unicorns, and magical misfits, captivating young readers for decades—meet Bruce Coville! Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1950, this prolific author of young adult fiction has penned over 100 books, blending humor, fantasy, and heart. His stories, like the beloved My Teacher Is an Alien, have made him a cherished voice in children’s literature, earning accolades and inspiring countless imaginations.
With a knack for crafting relatable characters and fantastical worlds, Coville’s work resonates with kids who feel a little different. His open embrace of his bisexuality and diverse life experiences—from gravedigger to teacher—infuse his stories with authenticity and warmth, making them timeless adventures.
The Making of Bruce Coville
Bruce Coville grew up in rural Syracuse, dodging cows on his grandparents’ dairy farm and devouring books like Mary Poppins and Dr. Dolittle. His love for storytelling sparked in sixth grade, but it wasn’t until his late teens that he began writing seriously. Married at 19 to artist Katherine Dietz, Coville juggled jobs like toymaker, cookware salesman, and elementary school teacher while chasing his dream. His first book, The Foolish Giant, hit shelves in 1978, illustrated by Katherine, marking the start of a remarkable career.
Bruce Coville’s Unforgettable Stories
Coville’s bibliography is a treasure trove of fantasy and science fiction, often laced with humor and heartfelt themes. His My Teacher Is an Alien series (1989–1992) follows Susan and Peter as they uncover their teacher’s extraterrestrial secret, blending sci-fi thrills with schoolyard relatability. The Unicorn Chronicles (1994–2010), starting with Into the Land of the Unicorns, weaves a magical saga of courage and destiny, captivating readers with its lush world-building.
The Magic Shop series, including Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher (1991), explores enchanted items that transform young lives, reflecting Coville’s gift for making the extraordinary feel personal. His stories often tackle themes of identity and belonging, drawing from his own experiences as a bisexual man navigating a changing world. With a playful yet poignant style, Coville crafts tales that are both accessible and profound, earning him awards like the Empire State Award for Excellence in Literature for Young People.
Beyond books, Coville co-founded Full Cast Audio, producing unabridged audiobooks of young adult fiction, including his own works. His three Golden Duck Awards for sci-fi excellence highlight his genre-defining contributions, from novels to audio adaptations.
Why Bruce Coville Matters
Bruce Coville’s impact on young adult fiction lies in his ability to make every reader feel seen. His stories celebrate outsiders—whether alien-fearing kids or unicorn-riding heroes—encouraging self-acceptance and curiosity. With over 18 million books sold in a dozen languages, his global reach is undeniable. Coville’s work has won Children’s Choice awards in multiple states, and his storytelling continues to inspire young writers and readers to embrace their unique voices.
His legacy also shines through his advocacy for literacy and creativity. As a speaker and performer, Coville has shared his passion on five continents, connecting with audiences through humor and heart. His openness about his identity adds depth to his influence, showing kids that authenticity fuels great stories.
- Born: May 16, 1950, Syracuse, New York
- Key Works: My Teacher Is an Alien, Unicorn Chronicles, Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher
- Awards: Empire State Award, three Golden Duck Awards, Skylark Award
- Fun Fact: Coville once worked as a gravedigger!
Snag Into the Land of the Unicorns and dive into Bruce Coville’s enchanting world of fantasy and wonder!