Picture a storyteller who turned ancient Egyptian adventures and gritty teen survival tales into page-turners for young readers—meet Michael Northrop! A New York Times bestselling author, Northrop has captured the hearts of over a million readers with his thrilling TombQuest series, heartfelt young adult novels, and quirky graphic novels like Dear Justice League. From his small-town Connecticut roots to his bustling New York City life, Northrop’s stories blend action, humor, and relatable coming-of-age moments that keep kids and teens hooked.
With a knack for crafting tales that resonate with reluctant readers—thanks to his own dyslexia-driven journey—Northrop’s work has earned accolades from the American Library Association, NPR’s Backseat Book Club, and Scholastic’s iconic Book Fairs. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this literary gem!
The Making of Michael Northrop
Born in Salisbury, Connecticut, a quaint town nestled in the Berkshire Mountains, Michael Northrop grew up mastering tree climbing, BB gun shooting, and field goal kicking—skills that fueled his knack for vivid storytelling. Despite repeating second grade due to dyslexia, he graduated from NYU and landed a 12-year gig at Sports Illustrated for Kids, spending the last five as baseball editor. His sportswriting days, covering Super Bowls and the Olympics, sharpened his ability to craft fast-paced, engaging narratives. Moonlighting as a standup comedian and earning a black belt, Northrop’s eclectic experiences shaped his dynamic writing voice, blending humor and grit.
Michael Northrop’s Unforgettable Stories
Northrop’s bibliography spans 16 books, including 12 novels and four DC Comics graphic novels, each showcasing his versatile style. His TombQuest series, starting with Book of the Dead, is a middle-grade adventure steeped in ancient Egyptian magic. The first book hit the New York Times bestseller list for three weeks, praised by the Los Angeles Public Library for its immersive world. Trapped, a young adult survival tale, follows seven teens stranded in a blizzard-battered school, earning an Indie Next List nod for its chilling suspense. Plunked, Northrop’s middle-grade debut, is a thoughtful baseball story about a young slugger overcoming fear after a brutal pitch, selected for NPR’s Backseat Book Club. Meanwhile, Dear Justice League brings humor to the superhero genre, with iconic heroes answering kids’ quirky questions, delighting readers with its playful tone.
Northrop’s writing shines through his ability to weave action with emotional depth, often exploring themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. His stories appeal to reluctant readers, drawing from his own struggles with dyslexia, and his sportswriting background infuses his work with authentic, high-stakes tension. Whether it’s sharks circling in Surrounded by Sharks or a troubled teen bonding with a Rottweiler in Rotten, Northrop’s tales are as heartfelt as they are thrilling.
Why Michael Northrop Matters
Michael Northrop’s impact lies in his ability to reach young readers, especially those who find reading daunting. His books, sold through Scholastic’s Book Clubs and Fairs, have reached over a million readers, earning spots on state reading lists and Junior Library Guild selections. By tackling themes like overcoming fear and finding strength in adversity, Northrop inspires kids and teens to see themselves in his characters. His engaging author visits, where he shares his dyslexia journey and “would/could” writing method, empower students to embrace reading and storytelling. Northrop’s legacy is one of accessibility, proving that great stories can spark a love for books in even the most hesitant readers—“a rare sort of book,” as Booklist noted about Gentlemen.
- Birthplace: Salisbury, Connecticut
- Key Works: TombQuest series, Trapped, Plunked, Dear Justice League
- Awards: New York Times bestseller, Publishers Weekly Flying Start, Junior Library Guild selections
- Fun Fact: He once stepped on a yellowjacket nest and was stung 75 times!
Snag Book of the Dead or Trapped and dive into Michael Northrop’s thrilling, heartfelt world—perfect for adventure-seekers and dreamers alike!