Picture a storyteller who spun tales of teenage friendships and self-discovery with a Beatles-inspired twist—meet Elizabeth Eulberg! This Wisconsin-born author has captured hearts worldwide with her Young Adult and middle-grade novels, blending humor, heart, and relatable characters. From her internationally bestselling The Lonely Hearts Club to her clever mysteries, Eulberg’s stories resonate with readers navigating the messy, magical moments of youth.
Now living in London, Eulberg’s journey from a small-town kid to a literary star is as inspiring as her books. With a knack for crafting authentic voices and a love for music and scones, she’s become a standout voice in contemporary YA literature. Let’s dive into her story!
The Making of Elizabeth Eulberg
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Elizabeth Eulberg grew up in a world of books, biking to the library daily to devour stories like Sweet Valley High and Cynthia Voigt’s novels. Despite early struggles with reading due to mild dyslexia, her mother’s encouragement and her own determination turned her into an avid reader by fourth grade. After studying at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications, Eulberg moved to New York City, diving into the publishing world. She worked as a publicist for Scholastic and later as director of global publicity for Stephenie Meyer at Little, Brown, even once playing basketball in a Clifford the Big Red Dog costume!
Her publishing experience gave her a front-row seat to the literary world, but it was her own storytelling spark that led her to write. Inspired by her love for music and her Midwestern roots, Eulberg began crafting novels that captured the highs and lows of teenage life, launching her career with a bang.
Elizabeth Eulberg’s Unforgettable Stories
Eulberg’s debut, The Lonely Hearts Club (2009), is a Beatles-inspired YA novel about Penny Lane Bloom, who forms a no-dating club with her friends. Its fresh take on friendship and independence became an international bestseller, published in over ten countries. The sequel, We Can Work It Out (2015), continues Penny’s journey, blending humor and heart. Fans love the book’s nod to the Beatles, with characters named after songs like Penny Lane.
Another gem, Prom & Prejudice (2011), reimagines Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at a modern boarding school. With its witty dialogue and relatable heroine, Lizzie Bennet, it earned a spot as a YALSA Top Ten Popular Paperback. Better Off Friends (2014) explores the will-they-won’t-they dynamic of best friends, earning praise for its authentic portrayal of evolving relationships. Eulberg also shines in middle-grade fiction with The Great Shelby Holmes series, a clever Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery that’s been celebrated on reading lists nationwide, including a Chicago Public Library “Best of the Best” nod in 2016.
Her writing style is vibrant and accessible, weaving themes of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience. Whether she’s tackling romance or mystery, Eulberg’s stories feel like a heart-to-heart with a best friend, infused with pop-culture references and a touch of humor.
Why Elizabeth Eulberg Matters
Elizabeth Eulberg’s impact lies in her ability to craft stories that speak to young readers’ hearts. Her books tackle real issues—friendship drama, self-doubt, and finding your place—with honesty and hope, making them a beacon for teens and tweens. Her inclusive, relatable characters have earned her a loyal fanbase, and her work’s global reach shows her universal appeal. By drawing from her own experiences, like overcoming dyslexia and embracing her Wisconsin roots, Eulberg inspires readers to chase their dreams.
Her shift to middle-grade mysteries like Scared Silly proves her versatility, blending humor and spookiness to captivate younger audiences. Living in London, she continues to write stories that bridge cultures and generations, cementing her legacy as a beloved author.
- Born: Wisconsin, USA
- Key Works: The Lonely Hearts Club, Prom & Prejudice, Better Off Friends, The Great Shelby Holmes
- Awards: YALSA Top Ten Popular Paperback, Chicago Public Library “Best of the Best” (2016)
- Fun Fact: She’s a huge Beatles fan and plays piano, guitar, and clarinet!
Snag The Lonely Hearts Club or The Great Shelby Holmes and dive into Elizabeth Eulberg’s heartfelt, hilarious world of YA and middle-grade magic!