Picture a storyteller who spins tales of adventure, humor, and just the right touch of peril from a cozy home at the base of a Utah mountain—meet Jennifer A. Nielsen! Born in 1971, this American author has captivated young readers with her imaginative young adult and middle-grade fiction, most notably the Underworld Chronicles and the New York Times bestselling Ascendance Series. With a knack for crafting strong-willed characters and heart-pounding plots, Nielsen’s stories invite readers to laugh, gasp, and keep turning pages.
From her northern Utah roots, Nielsen’s journey to literary stardom is as inspiring as her books. Her ability to blend fantasy, history, and moral dilemmas has made her a beloved voice in children’s literature, proving that the best stories leave us a little scared but always craving more.
The Making of Jennifer A. Nielsen
Born on July 10, 1971, in northern Utah, Jennifer Anne Nielsen grew up along the Wasatch Front with a towering stack of books by her bed. She devoured the Hardy Boys, Encyclopedia Brown, and Joan Aiken’s The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, dreaming of becoming an author like her idol, S.E. Hinton. At 11, she penned her first manuscript about picking locks, only to abandon it when a locksmith refused her research request! A Weber State University graduate with a double major in theater arts and communication education, Nielsen’s early career included stints as a speech teacher, theater director, and a brief, disastrous gig as a door-to-door pollster. Her love for storytelling never wavered, and after several unpublished manuscripts, she found her groove in young adult and children’s fantasy.
Jennifer A. Nielsen’s Unforgettable Stories
Nielsen’s breakout came in 2010 with Elliot and the Goblin War, the first book in the Underworld Chronicles, a whimsical series packed with humor and quirky characters facing goblin-sized dangers. Her Ascendance Series, starting with The False Prince (2012), cemented her fame, earning a 2013 Whitney Award and a spot on the New York Times Best Seller list. This thrilling tale follows Sage, a defiant orphan caught in a plot to impersonate a missing prince, blending deception, danger, and clever twists. The Mark of the Thief trilogy (2015–2017) dives into ancient Rome, where a slave discovers a magical amulet, weaving history with fantasy. Nielsen’s historical novels, like A Night Divided (2015), showcase her versatility, telling the gripping story of a girl tunneling under the Berlin Wall. Her writing style—fast-paced, witty, and rich with moral complexity—creates stories that resonate with readers of all ages.
Whether crafting fantasy epics or historical thrillers, Nielsen’s protagonists are stubborn, courageous, and often in over their heads, reflecting her belief that stories should challenge readers to confront tough choices. Her ability to balance humor, heart, and high stakes has made her a standout in children’s literature.
Why Jennifer A. Nielsen Matters
Jennifer A. Nielsen’s impact extends beyond her bookshelves. Her novels, translated into 21 languages, have inspired young readers to embrace courage and creativity. Awards like the Sydney Taylor Notable Book Award for Resistance (2019) and the Utah Ambassador of Young People’s Literature Medal (2023) highlight her influence. Nielsen’s dedication to visiting schools and inspiring young writers through her engaging talks underscores her commitment to fostering literacy. Her stories, often rooted in historical or fantastical struggles, encourage readers to grapple with themes of freedom, identity, and resilience, making her a vital voice in shaping the next generation of thinkers and dreamers.
- Born: July 10, 1971, in northern Utah
- Key Works: The False Prince, A Night Divided, Mark of the Thief, Elliot and the Goblin War
- Awards: Whitney Awards (2013, 2014), Sydney Taylor Notable Book Award (2019), Utah Ambassador of Young People’s Literature Medal (2023)
- Hobbies: Collecting old books, watching movies, and sneaking dark chocolate
Snag The False Prince or A Night Divided and dive into Jennifer A. Nielsen’s thrilling world of adventure and heart—your next favorite story awaits!