Picture a storyteller who spins high-octane tales from the heart of small-town America, infused with the grit of military life—meet Trent Reedy! This award-winning author crafts Young Adult and children’s novels that pulse with action, heart, and real-world stakes. From the explosive Divided We Fall Trilogy to the virtual reality thrills of Gamer Army, Reedy’s stories captivate readers worldwide, blending adrenaline with deep character arcs.
Born and raised in Dysart, Iowa, Reedy’s journey from a quiet farming town to literary stardom is as compelling as his books. His time serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army National Guard shaped his unique voice, grounding his fiction in raw authenticity. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this dynamic author!
The Making of Trent Reedy
Trent Reedy grew up in Dysart, Iowa, a small town that sparked his love for storytelling. As a kid, he wove tales inspired by the world around him, a passion that followed him into adulthood. After joining the Iowa Army National Guard in 1999, Reedy served as a combat engineer in Afghanistan from 2004 to 2005. These experiences, rich with camaraderie and conflict, became the bedrock of his writing. His debut novel, Words in the Dust, emerged from his time abroad, marking his entry into the literary world in 2011.
Reedy’s military background didn’t just inform his stories—it gave him a knack for capturing the human side of high-stakes situations. Settling near Spokane, Washington, with his family, he channeled his diverse experiences into a prolific writing career, balancing action-packed plots with emotional depth.
Trent Reedy’s Unforgettable Stories
Reedy’s bibliography is a thrilling mix of Young Adult and middle-grade fiction, each work showcasing his signature blend of action, heart, and social commentary. The Divided We Fall Trilogy (2014–2016) is a standout, a near-future saga about a second American Civil War. Following 17-year-old Danny Wright, a National Guardsman caught in a federal-state conflict, the series tackles political division with chilling plausibility. Its fast-paced narrative and nuanced characters earned rave reviews, including a starred review from Publishers Weekly.
Gamer Army (2018) dives into the world of virtual reality gaming, following young Rogan Webber as he competes in a high-stakes tournament that blurs the line between game and reality. Packed with sci-fi thrills and timely questions about technology, it’s a hit with gamers and adventure fans alike. Words in the Dust, Reedy’s debut, tells the story of a young Afghan girl finding hope post-Taliban, earning the Christopher Medal for its poignant storytelling. Other works, like If You’re Reading This and Stealing Air, showcase his versatility, blending coming-of-age themes with action.
Reedy’s style is accessible yet profound, weaving military precision with emotional resonance. His ability to balance pulse-pounding plots with character-driven narratives makes his books resonate with teens, reluctant readers, and adults alike. Themes of duty, identity, and resilience run through his work, reflecting his own life experiences.
Why Trent Reedy Matters
Trent Reedy’s impact lies in his ability to make complex issues—political division, cultural identity, the ethics of technology—accessible to young readers. His military-inspired stories don’t glorify war but explore its human cost, offering a thoughtful lens on patriotism and sacrifice. The Divided We Fall Trilogy, in particular, feels eerily prescient, sparking discussions about unity in polarized times. Reedy’s global readership and awards, like the Christopher Medal and the Golden Kite Award, underscore his influence in Young Adult and children’s literature.
Beyond his books, Reedy’s journey from soldier to storyteller inspires aspiring writers, proving that authentic experiences can fuel universal stories. His engaging style and commitment to nuanced storytelling cement his legacy as a voice for the next generation.
- Born in Dysart, Iowa, raised in a small farming town.
- Served in the Iowa Army National Guard, including a 2004–2005 deployment to Afghanistan.
- Key works: Divided We Fall Trilogy, Gamer Army, Words in the Dust.
- Awards: Christopher Medal, Golden Kite Award of Fiction.
- Lives near Spokane, Washington, with his wife and daughter.
About Trent Reedy
Ready for a thrilling read? Snag Divided We Fall or Gamer Army and dive into Trent Reedy’s action-packed world of heart and heroism!