Picture a Texas-born storyteller who turned Greek gods into middle-school superstars—meet Joan Holub! With over 200 children’s books, including the wildly popular Goddess Girls series, Holub has enchanted young readers by blending ancient myths with modern-day drama. Her journey from art director to New York Times bestselling author is a tale of grit, creativity, and a knack for making history fun.
The Making of Joan Holub
Born in 1956 in Texas, Joan Holub grew up with a love for art and stories. Armed with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas, she dove into the world of graphic design, freelancing as an art director for eight years. Her dream of working in children’s books led her to New York City, where she became an associate art director at Scholastic, designing books and collaborating with illustrators. In 1992, she illustrated her first children’s book, and by 1996, she sold her first manuscripts, A Spooky Lift-the-Flap Book and Pen Pals, after facing countless rejections. Holub’s persistence paid off, and she now writes full-time, captivating kids worldwide.
Joan Holub’s Unforgettable Stories
Holub’s books span board books to middle-grade novels, but her Goddess Girls series, co-authored with Suzanne Williams, is her crown jewel. This 31-book saga reimagines Greek goddesses like Athena and Aphrodite as students at Mount Olympus Academy, tackling friendship, jealousy, and homework with a mythical twist. The series’ blend of humor and relatable themes has made it a hit for ages 8–12. Her Heroes in Training series, also with Williams, follows young gods like Zeus on epic adventures, perfect for ages 7–10. Picture books like Mighty Dads, a New York Times bestseller illustrated by James Dean, celebrate father-child bonds through construction vehicle metaphors. Little Red Writing, a clever spin on fairy tales, showcases Holub’s playful wordplay and knack for teaching storytelling basics.
Holub’s style is vibrant and accessible, often weaving educational elements into fun narratives. Her Who Was? series biographies, like Who Was Babe Ruth?, bring history to life with engaging facts. Whether it’s mythology, history, or construction trucks, Holub’s stories spark curiosity and confidence in young readers.
Why Joan Holub Matters
Joan Holub’s impact lies in her ability to make complex subjects like Greek mythology accessible and relatable. By giving ancient characters modern struggles, she bridges past and present, inspiring kids to explore history and literature. Her books, honored as Junior Library Guild Selections and Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books, foster a love for reading in countless classrooms. Holub’s journey from rejection to success also serves as a beacon for aspiring authors, proving that perseverance can turn dreams into reality.
- Born: 1956, Texas
- Key Works: Goddess Girls, Heroes in Training, Mighty Dads, Little Red Writing
- Awards: Junior Library Guild Selections, Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books
- Fun Fact: Holub loves line dancing and often hits the dance floor when not writing!
Snag a copy of Goddess Girls or Mighty Dads and dive into Joan Holub’s magical, myth-filled world!