Picture a Minnesota storyteller who spun magical worlds from a creepy old house and a love for Shakespeare—meet Jacqueline West! This New York Times bestselling author has enchanted young readers with her imaginative middle-grade series The Books of Elsewhere and haunting YA novels like Dreamers Often Lie. With a knack for blending fantasy, mystery, and heart, West’s stories invite readers to explore courage, friendship, and the power of imagination.
Born in Red Wing, Minnesota, and raised in River Falls, Wisconsin, West’s journey from voice performance graduate to acclaimed author is as captivating as her tales. Her twelve published works, infused with her Midwestern roots and literary influences, have left a lasting mark on children’s and young adult literature.
The Making of Jacqueline West
Jacqueline West, born December 29, 1979, grew up surrounded by the rolling bluffs of Wisconsin, where a spooky River Falls house sparked her storytelling imagination. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in voice performance, West initially pursued music and theater. But her love for words—honed through poetry and short fiction—led her to writing. Shakespeare, with his vivid characters and timeless themes, became a key influence, shaping her ability to craft layered narratives. Her early poetry, including the chapbook Cherma about Czech immigrants, earned accolades like the Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Prize and Pushcart nominations, setting the stage for her fiction career.
Jacqueline West’s Unforgettable Stories
West’s breakout series, The Books of Elsewhere, follows eleven-year-old Olive Dunwoody, who discovers she can enter magical paintings in a mysterious Victorian mansion. Launched with The Shadows in 2010, this five-book series blends spooky fantasy, humor, and heartfelt themes of belonging, earning starred reviews and a CYBILS Award for fantasy/science fiction. Its vivid world-building and quirky characters have made it a global hit, translated into languages like Italian, Spanish, and Russian.
In her YA novel Dreamers Often Lie, West channels Shakespeare’s dreamlike drama, weaving a tale of a teen grappling with reality and delusion after a skiing accident. Her middle-grade mystery Long Lost, a 2022 Minnesota Book Award winner, is a love letter to libraries, intertwining parallel mysteries with ghostly charm. The Collectors, a Schneider Family Honor Book, explores a magical world of wishes and consequences, showcasing West’s signature blend of enchantment and emotional depth. Her writing style—rich, descriptive, and laced with wit—draws readers into worlds where the ordinary meets the extraordinary.
Why Jacqueline West Matters
Jacqueline West’s stories resonate because they celebrate the courage to face the unknown, whether it’s a magical painting or a personal struggle. Her ability to craft relatable characters and immersive worlds has inspired young readers to embrace their imaginations and find magic in everyday life. Through school visits, writing workshops, and her work with the Story Pirates, West empowers kids to tell their own stories, leaving a legacy of creativity and connection. Her influence extends beyond books, fostering a love for literature in communities from Minnesota to worldwide.
- Born: December 29, 1979, Red Wing, Minnesota
- Key Works: The Books of Elsewhere, Dreamers Often Lie, Long Lost, The Collectors
- Awards: 2022 Minnesota Book Award, Schneider Family Honor, CYBILS Award
- Fun Fact: West’s dog, Brom Bones, often appears in her blog posts!
Snag The Shadows or Long Lost and dive into Jacqueline West’s spellbinding blend of mystery and magic!