Picture a storyteller who weaves tales that spark curiosity in young minds—meet Kate Messner! This New York Times bestselling American author has penned over 70 children’s books, from enchanting picture books to gripping middle-grade novels. With a knack for blending wonder, adventure, and real-world issues, Messner’s stories captivate readers and inspire them to ask big questions about the world around them.
Born in the small town of Medina, New York, Messner’s journey to literary stardom is as inspiring as her books. A former journalist and middle school teacher, she channels her passion for storytelling into works that resonate with kids and educators alike, earning her a cherished spot in children’s literature.
The Making of Kate Messner
Kate Messner grew up surrounded by books, devouring Beverly Cleary’s Ramona series and nonfiction about natural disasters. After graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in broadcast journalism, she spent seven years as a TV news reporter, honing her knack for uncovering stories. But her heart lay in education, so she earned a master’s degree and taught middle school English for 15 years, earning National Board Certification in 2006. It was in the classroom, sharing stories with students, that Messner began writing seriously, publishing her first book in 2007.
Her small-town roots and love for the outdoors—especially the Adirondack Mountains, where she’s summiting all 46 High Peaks—infuse her work with a sense of adventure and curiosity. Messner’s journalism background also shapes her meticulous research, ensuring her stories feel authentic and vibrant.
Kate Messner’s Unforgettable Stories
Messner’s diverse portfolio spans picture books, novels, and nonfiction, all marked by her signature curiosity-driven storytelling. Her Over and Under series, including Over and Under the Snow, invites young readers to explore hidden natural worlds with lyrical prose and stunning illustrations. These books, often paired with Christopher Silas Neal’s art, have become classroom staples, celebrated for their environmental themes.
In middle-grade novels, Messner tackles complex issues with heart and humor. The Seventh Wish blends magic with the stark reality of opioid addiction, offering a poignant tale of family and resilience. Breakout, inspired by a real prison escape near her home, explores privilege and perspective through a thrilling narrative. Her History Smashers series, a graphic nonfiction hit, debunks historical myths—like those surrounding the Mayflower—with wit and accuracy, empowering kids to question narratives.
Messner’s writing style is accessible yet profound, weaving STEM themes, social issues, and adventure into stories that resonate with readers aged 4 to 14. Her ability to craft relatable characters and authentic settings, often drawn from her Adirondack surroundings, makes her work stand out in children’s literature.
Why Kate Messner Matters
Kate Messner’s impact extends far beyond her bookshelves. Her stories encourage kids to embrace curiosity, confront tough topics, and think critically about history and science. Frequently selected for One School, One Book programs, her titles foster community-wide reading experiences. As a former educator, Messner’s school visits and writing workshops inspire young writers, while her TED 2012 talk and World Read Aloud Day advocacy highlight the power of shared stories.
Her awards, including the E.B. White Read Aloud Medal for The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. and New York’s Knickerbocker Award, underscore her literary excellence. By addressing issues like addiction and privilege, Messner ensures children’s literature isn’t just entertaining—it’s transformative, shaping empathetic, inquisitive readers.
- Born: Medina, New York
- Key Works: Over and Under the Snow, The Seventh Wish, Breakout, History Smashers
- Awards: E.B. White Read Aloud Medal, Knickerbocker Award
- Fun Fact: She’s an Adirondack 46er, climbing all 46 High Peaks!
Snag The Seventh Wish or dive into the History Smashers series to experience Kate Messner’s captivating blend of heart, humor, and curiosity!