Picture a storyteller who spun tales of plucky teens, magical quests, and time-traveling cats—meet Catherine Gilbert Murdock! This American author, celebrated for her Young Adult novels, weaves wit, warmth, and immersive worlds that captivate readers. With a Newbery Honor for The Book of Boy, Murdock’s storytelling shines, blending humor, heart, and a touch of enchantment from her Philadelphia home.
Born in 1966, Murdock’s journey from a small Connecticut farm to literary acclaim is as compelling as her books. Her ability to craft relatable characters and vivid settings has made her a beloved voice in YA literature, inviting readers to cheer for underdogs and dream of adventure.
The Making of Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Catherine Gilbert Murdock grew up in rural Litchfield, Connecticut, on a Christmas tree farm with honeybees, goats, and a TV so old it barely worked. Alongside her sister, Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love), she devoured books, fueling her imagination. After studying at Bryn Mawr College and earning a Ph.D. in American Civilization from the University of Pennsylvania, Murdock began with a scholarly work, Domesticating Drink, before diving into fiction. Her shift to Young Adult novels came from a dream about a girl playing football, sparking her creative career.
Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s Unforgettable Stories
Murdock’s debut, Dairy Queen (2006), introduced D.J. Schwenk, a Wisconsin teen juggling farm life and high school football. This heartfelt trilogy, including The Off Season and Front and Center, blends humor and coming-of-age themes, earning praise for its authentic voice. The Book of Boy (2018), a Newbery Honor winner, is a medieval adventure following a mysterious boy on a relic-hunting quest, lauded for its rich historical detail.
In Da Vinci’s Cat (2021), Murdock crafts a time-slip fantasy connecting a 16th-century boy and a modern girl through a magical wardrobe and Leonardo da Vinci’s art. Her historical fantasy novels, like Princess Ben and Wisdom’s Kiss, showcase her knack for strong female leads and playful narratives. Murdock’s style—witty, character-driven, and layered with emotional depth—makes her stories resonate across ages.
Food, family, and resilience often thread through her work, reflecting her farm roots and passion for cooking. Whether it’s a dairy farm or a Renaissance palace, her settings feel alive, pulling readers into her worlds.
Why Catherine Gilbert Murdock Matters
Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s impact lies in her ability to create stories that feel both timeless and fresh. Her heroines, from D.J.’s grit to Ben’s stubborn charm, inspire young readers to embrace their strengths. The Newbery Honor for The Book of Boy cemented her as a literary force, while her genre-blending tales expand YA fiction’s boundaries. Murdock’s warmth and humor make her books a haven for readers seeking connection and adventure.
Her work also champions underrepresented voices, like female athletes and quirky outsiders, fostering empathy and courage. From classrooms to book clubs, Murdock’s stories spark conversations about identity and perseverance, leaving a lasting mark on YA literature.
- Born: 1966 in Charleston, South Carolina
- Key Works: Dairy Queen, The Book of Boy, Da Vinci’s Cat
- Awards: Newbery Honor for The Book of Boy
- Fun Fact: She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, two unicycling children, and several cats!
Snag Dairy Queen or The Book of Boy and dive into Catherine Gilbert Murdock’s heartfelt, magical worlds!