Picture a Michigan-born storyteller who spun quirky mysteries for young readers—meet Jennifer Allison! Best known for her Edgar-nominated Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator series, Allison blends humor, spookiness, and heart to captivate kids and adults alike. From her small-town roots to her vibrant Chicago life, her journey as a writer is as colorful as her teenage sleuth’s adventures.
The Making of Jennifer Allison
Born on July 15, 1966, in Saline, Michigan, Jennifer Allison (née Brostrom) grew up exploring open fields and old barns, sparking her imagination. A music scholarship took her to the University of Michigan, but literature soon stole her heart, leading to a B.A. and later an M.F.A. from American University. Her eclectic career—news reporter, high school English teacher, waitress, even a piano player in a mall—infused her stories with vivid characters and settings. Allison’s childhood séances in a friend’s barn hayloft planted the seeds for Gilda’s paranormal flair.
Jennifer Allison’s Unforgettable Stories
Allison’s Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator series, launched in 2005, follows 13-year-old Gilda, a typewriter-toting teen with a knack for solving spooky mysteries. The debut novel, set in a creepy San Francisco mansion, earned starred reviews and an Edgar Award nomination. Gilda Joyce: The Ladies of the Lake dives into a haunted Catholic girls’ school, drawing on Allison’s teaching experience. The Ghost Sonata takes Gilda to Oxford, England, blending music and mystery, while The Bones of the Holy explores St. Augustine’s ghostly history. Allison’s newer Iggy Loomis series, starting with Iggy Loomis: Superkid in Training, offers sci-fi humor about a boy with alien-granted powers. Her style—witty, fast-paced, and emotionally rich—appeals to reluctant readers and mystery fans, with Gilda’s pluck echoing Harriet the Spy.
Allison’s stories shine with quirky protagonists, paranormal twists, and meticulous research. Whether it’s psychic techniques or historical settings, she grounds her tales in authenticity, weaving childhood emotions and family dynamics that resonate deeply. Her ability to balance humor, suspense, and heart has made her books a staple in middle-grade fiction, translated into seven languages.
Why Jennifer Allison Matters
Jennifer Allison’s work has left a lasting mark on children’s literature, inspiring young readers to embrace curiosity and resilience. Her Gilda Joyce series, praised by School Library Journal and Booklist, fills a gap in smart, engaging mysteries for tweens. By crafting relatable characters who navigate loss and identity, Allison empowers kids to face their own challenges. Her workshops and school visits further amplify her impact, encouraging aspiring writers to find their voice. Living in Chicago with her husband, Michael, and three children—Max, Marcus, and Genevieve—Allison continues to draw from her family life to create stories that spark imagination.
About Jennifer Allison
- Born: July 15, 1966, in Saline, Michigan
- Key Works: Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator (2005), Iggy Loomis: Superkid in Training
- Awards: Edgar Award nomination, Sunshine State Award nomination
- Fun Fact: Once played piano in a shopping mall!
Snag Gilda Joyce: Psychic Investigator and dive into Jennifer Allison’s quirky, thrilling world of mysteries!