Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned reluctant readers into book lovers with tales of resilience and adventure—meet Eric Walters! Born in Toronto in 1957, Walters has penned over 115 novels and picture books since 1993, blending heart-pounding young adult fiction with real-world issues. His knack for crafting stories that resonate with kids and teens has made him a literary hero in Canada and beyond.
From his days as a social worker to his electrifying school presentations, Walters’s journey is as dynamic as his books. With a career spanning teaching, philanthropy, and global adventures, he’s a master at weaving life’s lessons into stories that stick with you.
The Making of Eric Walters
Eric Walters grew up in Toronto’s west end, where he learned early on about overcoming adversity—a theme that pulses through his work. Armed with degrees in psychology and social work from York University, he spent years as a social worker and crisis counselor before stepping into the classroom. In 1993, while teaching fifth graders at Vista Heights Public School in Mississauga, Walters faced a challenge: his students hated reading. So, he wrote Stand Your Ground, a novel set in their school, starring them. It was a hit, sparking his prolific writing career.
His background as a teacher and social worker gave him a unique lens, allowing him to connect with young readers through authentic, relatable characters. Walters’s hands-on approach—whether climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or walking across the Sahara—infuses his stories with vivid realism.
Eric Walters’s Unforgettable Stories
Walters’s bibliography is a treasure trove of young adult fiction and picture books, with over 115 titles that tackle everything from historical events to modern dilemmas. His 2014 novel The Rule of Three is a gripping dystopian thriller about a societal collapse, showcasing his knack for blending suspense with moral questions. The King of Jam Sandwiches, a 2020 Governor General’s Literary Award winner, draws from his own tough childhood, offering a raw, hopeful tale of perseverance.
Don’t Stand So Close to Me (2020) captures the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on kids, written in just 41 days to educate and comfort young readers. His picture book Hockey Night in Kenya celebrates resilience through a story of orphans finding joy in sport. Walters’s style is direct and engaging, often focusing on themes of belonging, empowerment, and overcoming obstacles, making his books perfect for reluctant readers and classroom discussions.
His research is legendary—he’s played with tigers and trekked deserts to ensure authenticity. Translated into over a dozen languages, his works have won more than 100 awards, including multiple Ontario Library Association Silver Birch and Red Maple Awards, voted on by thousands of students.
Why Eric Walters Matters
Eric Walters isn’t just a writer—he’s a movement. His books have inspired millions, turning reluctant readers into avid fans through stories that tackle tough topics like poverty, racism, and resilience. His Creation of Hope charity, co-founded with his wife Anita, supports over 500 orphans in Kenya, building schools and providing micro-loans. In 2014, he was named a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to children’s literature and social justice.
Walters’s school visits—over 12,000 and counting—are legendary, sparking excitement for reading and empowering kids to tell their own stories. His I Read Canadian Day initiative promotes Canadian literature, cementing his role as a cultural champion. His legacy is one of hope, action, and the power of stories to change lives.
About Eric Walters
- Born: March 3, 1957, in Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: The Rule of Three, The King of Jam Sandwiches, Don’t Stand So Close to Me
- Awards: Governor General’s Literary Award (2021), Member of the Order of Canada (2014)
- Fun Fact: He once got lost in a desert for four hours while researching a book!
Ready to dive into a world of adventure and heart? Grab The Rule of Three or Hockey Night in Kenya and discover why Eric Walters’s stories are impossible to put down!