Picture a storyteller who spins globetrotting adventures with a dash of Indiana Jones flair—meet Jonathan W. Stokes! This American author and screenwriter has captivated young readers with his thrilling Addison Cooke series, blending history, humor, and heart-pounding action. From crafting Hollywood scripts to co-founding a finance wiki, Stokes’s eclectic career makes him a unique voice in children’s literature.
Born in Manhattan, Stokes now calls Los Angeles home, where his love for tacos, urban exploration, and koalas fuels his creative spark. His journey from classroom teacher to bestselling author is as adventurous as his novels, proving that storytelling can take you anywhere.
The Making of Jonathan W. Stokes
Raised in New York, Jonathan W. Stokes developed an early love for stories, inspired by films like The Goonies and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. After graduating from Weston High School and studying philosophy at the Claremont Colleges, he honed his comedic chops at Upright Citizens Brigade and The Second City. Stokes initially ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding ValueWiki.com in 2006, a finance wiki that grew to over 200,000 articles before being acquired by Wikia in 2010. His shift to screenwriting saw him pen scripts for major studios and A-list talent like Will Smith and Ridley Scott, earning him a record five Black List recognitions for Hollywood’s favorite unproduced screenplays.
Jonathan W. Stokes’s Unforgettable Stories
Stokes’s literary debut, the Addison Cooke series, published by Penguin Random House, follows twelve-year-old Addison and his friends on treasure-hunting escapades. The first book, Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas (2016), sends the gang to South America to rescue Addison’s kidnapped uncle and uncover ancient Incan riches. Its cinematic pacing and witty dialogue earned praise for combining “the derring-do of Indiana Jones with a genuine archaeological mystery.” The sequels, Addison Cooke and the Tomb of the Khan (2017) and Addison Cooke and the Ring of Destiny (2019), explore Asia and Europe, weaving history with laugh-out-loud moments.
Beyond Addison Cooke, Stokes authored The Thrifty Guide to the Past series, including The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome and The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution. These humorous handbooks offer time-travel tips for kids, blending historical facts with playful narration. Stokes’s writing style—fast-paced, funny, and rich with clever wordplay—appeals to middle-grade readers who crave adventure without adult themes. His screenwriting background shines through in tightly plotted narratives and vivid settings, from Amazon jungles to Mongolian tombs.
Why Jonathan W. Stokes Matters
Jonathan W. Stokes has carved a niche in children’s literature by making history accessible and exciting. His Addison Cooke series inspires young readers to explore ancient cultures while embracing teamwork and optimism, resonating with fans of Rick Riordan and James Patterson. Critics and parents praise Stokes for crafting thrilling, clean stories that spark curiosity—kids often research the historical settings after reading. His school visits, filled with student art and plays inspired by Addison Cooke, highlight his ability to connect with young audiences. As a screenwriter, Stokes brings a cinematic lens to children’s books, paving the way for future adaptations.
- Born: Manhattan, New York
- Key Works: Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas, The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome
- Notable Achievement: Five Black List screenplay recognitions
- Fun Fact: Stokes has a 96% high-five accuracy rate!
Snag Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas and dive into Jonathan W. Stokes’s world of adventure, history, and hilarity!