Picture a Jersey girl spinning tales of magic and friendship that capture the hearts of tweens everywhere—meet Cindy Callaghan! This award-winning American author is best known for her enchanting debut novel, Just Add Magic, which transformed into an Emmy-nominated Amazon series. With a knack for blending humor, heart, and a sprinkle of the fantastical, Callaghan crafts stories that resonate with young readers, inviting them into worlds where ordinary moments turn extraordinary.
Born around 1976, Callaghan’s journey from a reluctant reader to a beloved middle-grade author is as inspiring as her books. Her stories, filled with quirky characters and laugh-out-loud moments, have made her a standout voice in young adult fiction, proving that a dash of magic can make any day unforgettable.
The Making of Cindy Callaghan
Raised in Oakland and Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, Cindy Callaghan was not always a bookworm. As a self-described 'reluctant reader,' she preferred writing plays and poetry in her youth, only discovering her love for novels in her mid-20s with Michael Connelly’s The Poet. After earning a BA in English and French from the University of Delaware and an MBA, she spent nearly two decades in the pharmaceutical industry. But a writing class about 16 years ago reignited her creative spark, leading to her first novel and a critique group that fueled her passion for storytelling.
Now based in Wilmington, Delaware, Callaghan draws inspiration from her family, rescued pets, and her Jersey roots. Her business background gives her a unique edge, balancing creativity with a savvy approach to publishing, which helped her navigate the journey of turning Just Add Magic into a global phenomenon.
Cindy Callaghan’s Unforgettable Stories
Callaghan’s debut, Just Add Magic (2010), follows 12-year-old Kelly Quinn and her friends as they discover a magical cookbook that whips up chaos and life lessons. Its blend of friendship, karma, and culinary magic struck a chord, inspiring an Amazon series now in its fifth season. The sequel, Just Add Magic 2: Potion Problems (2018), continues the adventure, earning an Agatha Award for Best Children’s/Young Adult Mystery.
Her Lost In… series—Lost in London (2013), Lost in Paris (2015), Lost in Rome (2015), Lost in Ireland (2016), and Lost in Hollywood (2016)—takes readers on globe-trotting mysteries with plucky heroines. Each book bursts with humor and cultural flair, like Jordan’s department store escapades in Lost in London. Standout stand-alones include the Agatha-winning Sydney Mackenzie Knocks ‘Em Dead (2017), a Halloween favorite, and Saltwater Secrets (2020), a studio-bound tale of sisterhood that won multiple awards. Her 2022 release, My Big Heart-Shaped Fail, is a tween comedy of errors that’s pure Callaghan: funny, heartfelt, and relatable.
Callaghan’s style is a recipe for success: take witty dialogue, mix in relatable characters, and add a pinch of magic or mystery. Her stories often explore themes of friendship, independence, and the consequences of choices, wrapped in a light, engaging tone that tweens adore. As she puts it, 'The funny! Without a doubt, it’s the funny situations, characters, and dialogue' that keep readers hooked.
Why Cindy Callaghan Matters
Cindy Callaghan’s impact lies in her ability to connect with young readers, especially reluctant ones, by making reading fun and accessible. Her books empower tweens—particularly girls—to embrace their independence and navigate life’s challenges with humor and heart. The Just Add Magic series has inspired book clubs and cooking parties, fostering a love for literature among kids. Her global Lost In… series broadens horizons, introducing young readers to new cultures through adventure.
With awards like the Agatha and International Book Awards, Callaghan’s influence extends beyond the page. Her transition from business professional to prolific author inspires aspiring writers, showing that it’s never too late to chase a dream. As her stories continue to captivate, Callaghan remains a beacon of creativity in middle-grade fiction.
- Birth: Around 1976, New Jersey, USA
- Key Works: Just Add Magic, Lost in London, Sydney Mackenzie Knocks ‘Em Dead, Saltwater Secrets
- Awards: Agatha Award (2017, 2018), Delaware Press Association, International Book Awards
Snag Just Add Magic or dive into the Lost In… series for a dose of Cindy Callaghan’s magical, laugh and heartwarming storytelling!