Picture an American storyteller who turned the ocean into a battleground of bravery and friendship—meet E.J. Altbacker! Known for his thrilling young adult series Shark Wars, Altbacker blends his screenwriting flair with gripping underwater adventures that hook readers from page one. His tales of shark clans and epic quests have inspired kids to embrace courage and loyalty.
With a knack for crafting relatable characters and heart-pounding plots, Altbacker has carved a unique niche in children’s literature. Let’s dive into his journey, from his early days to his lasting impact on young readers!
The Making of E.J. Altbacker
Born Ernie Altbacker, E.J. Altbacker grew up with a passion for storytelling that led him to the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a degree in marketing. But his creative spark truly ignited at the American Film Institute, where he honed his craft with an MFA in screenwriting. Before penning novels, Altbacker made waves as an Emmy-nominated screenwriter, writing for kids’ shows like Spooksville, Ben 10, and Spider-Man. This dynamic background shaped his ability to craft fast-paced, engaging stories that resonate with young audiences.
E.J. Altbacker’s Unforgettable Stories
Altbacker’s flagship work, the Shark Wars series, is a six-book saga that transforms the ocean into a vivid world of shark clans called Shivers. Published by Razorbill, the series follows Gray, a young reef shark, and his friend Barkley, a dogfish, as they navigate battles, betrayals, and the quest for peace in the Big Blue. With titles like Shark Wars (2011) and The Last Emprex (2013), the books blend action with themes of friendship, bravery, and standing up to evil.
Beyond Shark Wars, Altbacker penned Handy Andy Saves the World (2016), a quirky standalone novel about a handyman hired by aliens to fix their ship—only to discover their plan to destroy Earth. His writing style is cinematic, drawing from his screenwriting roots, with vivid scenes and dialogue that pop off the page. Altbacker’s stories subtly weave in life lessons, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking for kids in grades 4–7.
While the Shark Wars series hasn’t hit the big screen, it inspired an iPhone game where players control sharks in oceanic battles, mirroring the books’ adventurous spirit. Altbacker’s ability to create immersive worlds has earned him a loyal following among young readers who crave action-packed tales.
Why E.J. Altbacker Matters
E.J. Altbacker’s impact lies in his ability to make reading an adventure for kids. His Shark Wars series has been praised for hooking reluctant readers, with parents noting improved grades and behavior in kids captivated by Gray and Barkley’s journey. By blending high-stakes plots with messages about loyalty and courage, Altbacker inspires young readers to face challenges head-on. His work stands out in young adult literature for its unique underwater setting and relatable characters, offering a fresh alternative to traditional fantasy.
As an author who transitioned from screenwriting to novels, Altbacker bridges media and literature, showing kids that stories can leap from page to screen to game. His legacy is one of sparking imagination and proving that even sharks can teach us how to be better friends and braver souls.
- Education: B.A. in Marketing, University of Notre Dame; MFA in Screenwriting, American Film Institute
- Key Works: Shark Wars series (6 books, 2011–2013), Handy Andy Saves the World (2016)
- Notable Credits: Emmy-nominated screenwriter for Spooksville, Ben 10, Spider-Man
- Fun Fact: Lives in Hermosa Beach, California, where he enjoys biking and ‘plodding’ (his term for slow jogging)
Ready to swim into an epic adventure? Snag Shark Wars and dive into E.J. Altbacker’s thrilling underwater world!