Picture a Massachusetts storyteller who turned farting robots and taco superheroes into literary gold—meet Jarrett Lerner! This award-winning children’s author has carved a unique niche in middle-grade fiction, blending outrageous humor with heartfelt pre-teen adventures. His books, like the wildly popular EngiNerds series, captivate young readers with tech-savvy tales that make learning fun and relatable.
Lerner’s knack for crafting stories that resonate with kids stems from his deep understanding of their world. Whether it’s a robot with a digestive dilemma or a cat napping through chaos, his work sparks laughter and inspires creativity, making him a beloved figure in children’s literature.
The Making of Jarrett Lerner
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Jarrett Lerner was a bookworm from the start, always clutching a notebook or sketchpad. His love for storytelling blossomed early, fueled by a childhood spent reading and doodling. Though he didn’t initially dream of becoming a professional author, Lerner’s passion for writing and illustrating persisted. After studying at Brown University, he embraced his calling, channeling his inner kid to create stories that entertain and empower young readers.
Lerner’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. He juggled myths about the writing life, but his persistence paid off. Today, he lives in Medford, Massachusetts, with his wife and daughters, drawing inspiration from family life and his lifelong love of skateboarding, cooking, and, of course, reading.
Jarrett Lerner’s Unforgettable Stories
Lerner’s bibliography is a treasure trove of humor and heart. His debut, the EngiNerds series, follows a group of brainy kids navigating the chaos of their farting, burger-loving robots. Books like EngiNerds and Revenge of the EngiNerds blend STEM themes with slapstick comedy, making science accessible and hilarious for middle-graders.
The Geeger the Robot series, aimed at early chapter book readers, introduces a lovable robot tackling school and friendship. Meanwhile, A Work in Progress, an illustrated novel in verse, dives deeper, exploring body image and self-worth with raw honesty, earning accolades like the 2023 Global Read Aloud pick. Lerner’s Nat the Cat series, including the ALSC/ALA 2024 Notable Book Nat the Cat Takes a Nap, delights early readers with its grumpy feline and witty narrator. His graphic novel series, Hunger Heroes, starring taco superheroes, adds a visual punch to his portfolio.
Lerner’s style is a masterclass in balance: zany scenarios meet universal themes like friendship, identity, and resilience. His illustrations—often his own—add charm, while his conversational tone feels like a chat with a cool older sibling. Whether through prose, verse, or comics, Lerner crafts stories that kids can’t put down.
Why Jarrett Lerner Matters
Jarrett Lerner’s impact extends beyond the page. His books fill a gap in children’s literature, offering diverse formats—novels, graphic novels, early readers—that cater to varied reading levels. By tackling tough topics like body dysmorphia in A Work in Progress, he gives kids tools to navigate their emotions. His STEM-infused stories also inspire curiosity, making him a favorite among educators and librarians.
Lerner’s advocacy shines through his #KidsNeedBooks and #KidsNeedMentors initiatives, which promote literacy and mentorship. His school visits and Creator Club workshops empower young writers, fostering creativity nationwide. Recognized with awards like the Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Honor, Lerner’s legacy is one of joy, inspiration, and connection.
- Birthplace: Massachusetts, USA
- Key Works: EngiNerds, A Work in Progress, Nat the Cat Takes a Nap, Hunger Heroes
- Awards: ALSC/ALA 2024 Notable Book, Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Honor
Ready to dive into a world of farting robots and taco heroes? Grab EngiNerds or A Work in Progress and discover Jarrett Lerner’s hilarious, heartfelt universe!