Picture a storyteller who spun tales of zombie hunters and globe-trotting spies, all with a dash of humor and heart—meet James Ponti! Born in Pisa, Italy, and raised in sunny Florida, this New York Times bestselling author has captivated young readers with his thrilling middle-grade series like the Dead City trilogy and City Spies. With a knack for blending suspense, adventure, and laugh-out-loud moments, Ponti’s stories feel like blockbuster movies on the page.
The Making of James Ponti
Born in Pisa, Italy, James Ponti moved to Atlantic Beach, Florida, as a young child. Growing up by the ocean, he was more enchanted by movies than books, often daydreaming about cinematic adventures. A reluctant reader due to his slow reading pace, Ponti found his calling in storytelling through screenwriting, earning a degree from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts in 1988. Before becoming an author, he spent over two decades as an Emmy-nominated television writer and producer, crafting stories for Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and PBS. This cinematic foundation shaped his dynamic, fast-paced writing style.
James Ponti’s Unforgettable Stories
Ponti’s books are a thrilling mix of mystery, humor, and heart, designed to hook readers from the first page. His Dead City trilogy follows Molly Bigelow, a tween zombie hunter policing the undead beneath Manhattan. Praised by Suzanne Collins for breathing “new life into the zombie genre,” the series weaves New York City history into its action-packed plot. The Edgar Award-winning Framed! series introduces Florian Bates, a Sherlockian tween solving mysteries in Washington, D.C., with sharp wit and clever deductions. City Spies, a fan favorite, tracks five kids from around the world forming an elite MI6 spy team, delivering globe-trotting adventures. The Sherlock Society, his latest, blends Nancy Drew-style mysteries with Miami flair. Ponti’s movie-like structure, snappy dialogue, and relatable characters make his stories irresistible to middle-grade readers and beyond.
His writing style draws inspiration from childhood favorites like Indiana Jones, James Bond, and Encyclopedia Brown, infusing each book with twisty plots and cinematic pacing. Ponti’s ability to balance suspense with humor and weave in themes of teamwork and resilience has earned his books spots on over fifteen state award lists.
Why James Ponti Matters
James Ponti’s impact lies in his ability to make reading an adventure for reluctant readers, much like his younger self. His stories resonate with kids who crave fast-paced, immersive tales that don’t skimp on heart. By founding the Renegades of Middle Grade, a writers’ group, Ponti has also championed the genre, fostering a community of authors dedicated to young readers. His transition from television to books, driven by a desire to work from home for his family, adds a personal layer to his legacy, inspiring aspiring writers to follow their passions.
- Born: Pisa, Italy
- Key Works: Dead City trilogy, Framed! series, City Spies series, The Sherlock Society
- Awards: Edgar Award winner, Emmy-nominated TV writer
- Fun Fact: Ponti is a die-hard fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Italian National Soccer Team.
Snag Dead City or City Spies and dive into James Ponti’s thrilling world of zombies, spies, and mysteries!