Picture a storyteller who turned childhood chatter and phobias into whimsical tales that captivate young readers—meet Gitty Daneshvari! Born in Los Angeles to an Iranian father and American mother, this children’s fiction author weaves humor, heart, and quirky characters into stories like the beloved School of Fear series, making her a standout voice in middle-grade literature.
With a knack for transforming fears into adventures, Daneshvari’s books resonate with kids navigating their own anxieties. Her playful narratives and sharp wit have earned her a loyal following, proving that even the scariest moments can be faced with a giggle.
The Making of Gitty Daneshvari
Growing up in Los Angeles, Gitty Daneshvari was a talkative child whose constant commentary charmed—and sometimes exhausted—her family. When her chatter outlasted her listeners, she turned to writing, discovering a way to channel her thoughts without needing an audience. Her diverse heritage and personal struggles with phobias shaped her unique perspective, planting the seeds for her future as an author. After working as a development director at Contrafilms, she transitioned to writing, debuting with the adult novel The Makedown before finding her true calling in children’s literature.
Gitty Daneshvari’s Unforgettable Stories
Daneshvari’s School of Fear trilogy, starting with the 2009 novel, is her signature work. The series follows four preteens—Madeleine, Theo, Lulu, and Garrison—sent to a secretive Massachusetts school to confront their extreme phobias, from bugs to claustrophobia. Guided by the eccentric Mrs. Wellington, an ex-beauty queen with bizarre teaching methods, the kids face hilarious and chaotic challenges. Daneshvari’s blend of droll dialogue, over-the-top scenarios, and relatable themes of overcoming fear has made the series a hit, praised for its Woody Allen-esque wit and accessibility for ages 9–12.
Beyond School of Fear, Daneshvari penned the Monster High: Ghoulfriends series, diving into the spooky yet heartfelt world of monster friendships, and The League of Unexceptional Children, a clever twist on spy stories celebrating average kids as heroes. Her writing style—playful, sarcastic, and packed with clever humor—mirrors her talkative personality, creating stories that feel like a chat with a witty friend.
Each book showcases Daneshvari’s knack for tackling serious themes like anxiety and self-acceptance with a light touch. Her phobia lists at the start of each School of Fear chapter, defining fears like arachibutyrophobia (fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth), add an educational yet whimsical touch that kids love.
Why Gitty Daneshvari Matters
Gitty Daneshvari’s impact lies in her ability to make fear approachable for young readers. By crafting characters who face their phobias with humor and teamwork, she empowers kids to confront their own anxieties, earning praise from outlets like Publishers Weekly for her intelligent, witty debut. Her stories, blending the quirky charm of A Series of Unfortunate Events with the heart of middle-grade classics, have inspired reluctant readers and sparked a love for books in countless children.
Living in New York City with her English bulldog Harriet, Daneshvari continues to write, her verbose nature now a gift that fuels her storytelling. Her work reminds us that everyone’s afraid of something—and that’s okay, as long as you face it with a smile.
- Born: Los Angeles, California
- Key Works: School of Fear trilogy, Monster High: Ghoulfriends, The League of Unexceptional Children
- Fun Fact: Her talkative childhood inspired her writing career!
Snag School of Fear and dive into Gitty Daneshvari’s hilarious, heartwarming world of quirky adventures!