Picture an American storyteller who spun tales of beetles, mysteries, and dinosaurs into children’s hearts—meet Elise Broach! A New York Times bestselling author, Broach has enchanted young readers with her whimsical picture books, thrilling middle-grade novels, and heartfelt stories. With a knack for blending humor, history, and heart, her work, like the award-winning Masterpiece, invites kids to see the world through curious, adventurous eyes.
Born in Georgia and now nestled in the woods of Connecticut, Broach’s journey from Yale historian to beloved children’s author is a tale of perseverance and passion. Her stories don’t just entertain—they spark imagination and inspire young minds to explore the magic in the everyday.
The Making of Elise Broach
Elise Broach was born on September 20, 1963, in Atlanta, Georgia, where her early love for animals and stories took root. Catching beetles in her backyard with her brother, she developed a fascination with the small, often-overlooked creatures that later starred in her books. After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in history from Yale University, Broach initially pursued a career in academia. But her heart was elsewhere—writing. Joining a local writing group in the late 1990s, she honed her craft, facing rejections but never giving up. Her persistence paid off when a literary agent championed her debut novel, Shakespeare’s Secret, launching her into the world of children’s literature.
Elise Broach’s Unforgettable Stories
Broach’s bibliography is a treasure trove of nearly thirty books, spanning picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels. Her middle-grade novel Masterpiece, a New York Times bestseller, follows a beetle named Marvin and his human friend James as they unravel an art heist at the Metropolitan Museum. This E.B. White Read Aloud Award winner blends mystery, friendship, and art history with a charm that captivates readers. Similarly, Shakespeare’s Secret weaves a literary mystery around a girl named Hero, exploring family secrets and Shakespearean connections, earning an Edgar Award nomination.
For younger readers, Broach’s picture book When Dinosaurs Came with Everything, another E.B. White Read Aloud Award winner, hilariously imagines a world where dinosaurs are given away like lollipops, delighting kids and parents alike. Her Superstition Mountain trilogy, set in the spooky Arizona desert, thrills with action-packed mysteries. Broach’s style—infused with humor, vivid characters, and historical nuggets—makes her stories both accessible and thought-provoking, encouraging kids to ask big questions about the world.
Whether she’s writing about a beetle’s miniature world or a girl’s quest for truth, Broach excels at crafting narratives that feel both fantastical and deeply human. Her ability to weave educational elements, like art or history, into engaging plots ensures her books are as enriching as they are entertaining.
Why Elise Broach Matters
Elise Broach’s impact on children’s literature lies in her ability to make reading a gateway to wonder. Her books, selected as ALA Notable Books and Junior Library Guild picks, have inspired countless young readers to embrace storytelling and explore their own creativity. Through school visits and her role teaching creative writing at Yale, Broach fosters a love of writing in the next generation. Her stories, often centered on unlikely friendships and curiosity, resonate with kids who feel different, reminding them that everyone has a story worth telling.
Broach’s work also bridges generations, creating shared reading experiences for families. Programs like Read to Them’s One School, One Book have brought Masterpiece to entire school communities, sparking conversations between parents, teachers, and students. Her legacy is one of joy, imagination, and the quiet power of a good story.
About Elise Broach
- Born: September 20, 1963, in Atlanta, Georgia
- Key Works: Masterpiece, Shakespeare’s Secret, When Dinosaurs Came with Everything
- Awards: E.B. White Read Aloud Awards, Edgar Award nomination, New York Times bestseller
- Fun Fact: She lives in Connecticut, near farms and a library, perfect for a writer’s inspiration!
Snag Masterpiece or When Dinosaurs Came with Everything and dive into Elise Broach’s delightful world of mystery and whimsy!