Picture an American storyteller who weaves history, fantasy, and adventure into tales that captivate young readers—meet Matthew J. Kirby! Born in Utah in 1976, this award-winning middle-grade author draws on a nomadic childhood and a passion for storytelling to create novels that blend rich historical settings with thrilling plots. From Viking princesses to sci-fi mysteries, Kirby’s books are a treasure trove of imagination.
The Making of Matthew J. Kirby
Growing up as the son of a naval officer, Kirby’s childhood was a whirlwind of moves across Rhode Island, Maryland, California, and Hawaii. This diverse backdrop shaped his curiosity about different cultures and histories. At age 12, a passage from Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series sparked his dream to become a writer. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in history at Utah State University, followed by master’s and specialist degrees in school psychology. While working with students, Kirby began crafting stories, initially for adults, before finding his true calling in middle-grade and young adult fiction.
Matthew J. Kirby’s Unforgettable Stories
Kirby’s debut, The Clockwork Three (2010), is a historical fantasy set in a fictional 19th-century American city, where three young protagonists unravel a mystery blending clockwork inventions and magic. It earned him a Publishers Weekly Flying Start. His second novel, Icefall (2011), follows a Viking princess trapped in a fortress, earning the 2012 Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery. A Taste for Monsters (2016) dives into Victorian London, pairing a disfigured maid with the Elephant Man amid Jack the Ripper’s terror. In Star Splitter (2023), Kirby ventures into sci-fi, exploring a teen’s survival on a desolate planet. His style weaves historical accuracy, emotional depth, and young protagonists facing moral dilemmas, making his stories resonate with readers.
Kirby’s versatility shines in series like Assassin’s Creed: Last Descendants and The Dark Gravity Sequence, where he crafts immersive worlds from Viking sagas to post-apocalyptic futures. His ability to blend genres—history, fantasy, and sci-fi—while centering young heroes makes his work stand out in children’s literature.
Why Matthew J. Kirby Matters
Kirby’s novels do more than entertain; they invite young readers to explore complex themes like courage, identity, and resilience. His awards, including the Edgar, PEN Center USA, and Judy Lopez Memorial, reflect his impact on middle-grade literature. As a school psychologist, Kirby understands young minds, infusing his stories with empathy and authenticity. His books, featured on the New York Public Library’s 100 Books for Reading and Sharing and ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults lists, inspire a new generation of readers to embrace history and imagination.
About Matthew J. Kirby
- Born: 1976 in Utah
- Key Works: The Clockwork Three, Icefall, A Taste for Monsters, Star Splitter
- Awards: 2012 Edgar Award, PEN Center USA Award, Judy Lopez Memorial Award
- Lives: Near Salt Lake City, Utah, with his partner Jaimes
Ready to embark on an adventure? Snag Icefall or The Clockwork Three and dive into Matthew J. Kirby’s thrilling world of history and heart!