Picture an American cartoonist who turned middle school mischief into a global sensation—meet Lincoln Peirce! Born in 1963, Peirce is the mastermind behind Big Nate, a comic strip and book series that’s won the hearts of millions with its witty humor and relatable characters. From newspapers to animated screens, his work captures the chaotic charm of sixth-grade life.
With a knack for storytelling and a pen that brings Nate Wright’s adventures to life, Peirce has built a multi-media empire that inspires young readers and aspiring artists. Let’s dive into the world of this creative genius!
The Making of Lincoln Peirce
Lincoln Peirce was born on October 23, 1963, in Ames, Iowa, and moved to Durham, New Hampshire, in 1964. As a kid, he was hooked on comic strips, especially Charles Schulz’s Peanuts, which sparked his lifelong passion for cartooning. At Colby College in Maine, he studied art and art history, later earning a graduate degree from Brooklyn College. Before becoming a full-time cartoonist, Peirce taught art and coached baseball at a New York City high school, experiences that shaped his understanding of kids and classrooms.
His early career saw him sketching Neighborhood Comics, which an editor suggested focusing on one character—enter Nate Wright. In 1991, Big Nate debuted in 135 newspapers, kicking off a journey that would make Peirce a household name in children’s literature.
Lincoln Peirce’s Unforgettable Stories
Big Nate is Peirce’s crown jewel, a comic strip syndicated in over 400 newspapers and online at gocomics.com. Centered on Nate Wright, a spirited sixth-grader with big dreams and a knack for trouble, the strip blends school humor with relatable antics. Its success led to a series of illustrated novels starting in 2010, published by HarperCollins, with titles like Big Nate: In a Class By Himself. Each book hit the New York Times bestseller list, selling over 20 million copies in 33 languages.
In 2016, Peirce wrapped up the Big Nate novels and launched Max & the Midknights, a comedic Middle Ages adventure. Published by Crown Books, the trilogy follows Max, a 10-year-old aspiring knight, and was a bestseller, with the first book peaking at #2 on the New York Times list. Peirce’s style—hand-drawn on Bristol board with playful dialogue—captures the awkward, hilarious essence of youth. His work also extends to animated shorts for Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, and a Big Nate animated series on Paramount+ in 2022.
Peirce’s storytelling shines through Nate’s authentic voice and Max’s plucky heroism, blending sharp wit with universal themes of friendship and self-discovery. His comics and books are packed with doodles, puzzles, and gags, making them irresistible to young readers.
Why Lincoln Peirce Matters
Lincoln Peirce’s impact goes beyond funny pages. Big Nate has inspired a generation of kids to embrace their quirks and laugh at life’s challenges. Its presence on Poptropica, in musical theater, and on TV shows its cultural reach. Peirce’s mentorship of Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, highlights his influence on modern children’s literature. By drawing from his own middle school memories, he creates stories that feel timeless yet fresh.
His dedication to hand-drawn art and authentic storytelling sets a standard for aspiring cartoonists. Peirce’s work encourages creativity, proving that a good story can spark joy across generations.
About Lincoln Peirce
- Born: October 23, 1963, in Ames, Iowa
- Key Works: Big Nate, Max & the Midknights
- Awards: Milner Award for Children’s Literature (2017)
- Fun Fact: Hosts a radio show on vintage country music in Maine
Snag Big Nate: In a Class By Himself or Max & the Midknights and dive into Lincoln Peirce’s hilarious, heartwarming world!