Picture a British storyteller who spun Greek gods into a hilarious, heartfelt adventure for kids—meet Maz Evans! With her infectious wit and boundless creativity, Evans has become a beloved name in children’s literature, thanks to her bestselling Who Let the Gods Out? series. But her story doesn’t stop at writing; she’s a literary superhero, inspiring young readers through her innovative programs, Story Stew and Book Buddy.
From journalism to crafting tales that make kids laugh past bedtime, Evans’s journey is as vibrant as her books. Let’s dive into the world of this Dorset-based author whose stories blend mythology, humor, and real-world heart.
The Making of Maz Evans
Born with a knack for words, Maz Evans kicked off her career as a TV critic and feature writer, penning pieces for major British publications like The Daily Telegraph. Her love for storytelling took root early, with a childhood masterpiece, The Ladyberds in my Bathroom, sadly lost to a toilet mishap at age six. After studying English Literature and Classics, she transitioned into scriptwriting and lecturing, but it was motherhood that sparked her shift to children’s fiction. Inspired by her four kids, Evans began weaving tales that resonated with young readers, blending her sharp humor with emotional depth.
Maz Evans’s Unforgettable Stories
Evans burst onto the literary scene in 2017 with Who Let the Gods Out?, a riotous tale of Elliot Hooper, a young carer who teams up with a constellation goddess, Virgo, to save the world from a freed death daemon. Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, this Percy Jackson-esque adventure blends Greek mythology with British humor and serious themes like dementia. The series continued with Simply the Quest, Beyond the Odyssey, and Against All Gods, each packed with anarchic gods and heartfelt moments.
Beyond mythology, Evans’s versatility shines in series like Vi Spy, a spy thriller with a super-spy mum, and Scarlett Fife, a heartfelt exploration of big feelings for younger readers. Her 2023 adult debut, Over My Dead Body, a comedy-crime caper, proved her knack for crossing genres. Evans’s style—witty, fast-paced, and emotionally rich—makes her stories irresistible, earning praise like The Times’ nod to Oh Maya Gods! as a “perfectly crafted comedy.”
Whether it’s gods bickering over crosswords or kids navigating life’s chaos, Evans’s narratives balance laugh-out-loud moments with real-world issues, making her a standout in middle-grade fiction.
Why Maz Evans Matters
Maz Evans isn’t just a writer; she’s a champion for literacy. Through Story Stew, her anarchic creative writing program, she’s sparked imaginations in thousands of UK schoolchildren, teaching them to craft their own stories. Her Book Buddy initiative tackles the scandal of underfunded school libraries, connecting donors with schools to ensure kids have access to books. With over half a million copies sold across 22 countries and 30+ award nominations, including the Carnegie Medal, Evans has left an indelible mark on children’s literature.
Her ability to weave humor with tough topics like mental health and young carers resonates with readers, while her live events at festivals like Hay and Emirates Lit Fest bring stories to life. Evans’s legacy is one of joy, empowerment, and opening doors to reading for all.
- Born: Dorset, UK (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: Who Let the Gods Out?, Vi Spy, Scarlett Fife, Over My Dead Body
- Awards: Shortlisted for Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, Indie Book Award
- Fun Fact: She narrates her own audiobooks, bringing her characters to life!
Snag Who Let the Gods Out? and dive into Maz Evans’s hilarious, heartfelt world of mythological mayhem!