Favorite Local Authors For Kids Of All Ages

The Twin Cities is known for many things(and not just for being brutally cold in Winter). We have great culture, museums, colleges, neighborhoods, schools, shopping, parks and quality of life.

But did you know that the Twin Cities has a large literary community? From our roots and history of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sinclair Lewis, and Maud Hart Lovelace; to modern day authors like Garrison Keillor, Anne Tyler, and Kate DiCamillo.

You can still find many local, quaint, neighborhood booksellers and stand in intimate and short lines with your children to meet their favorite authors and illustrators. We are living among greatness here in the Twin Cities. And I do say that I’ve even seen a few writing celebrities when I’ve been out for coffee. And not in a weird – stalker kind of way. Promise Kate.

Here are some of our favorite Twin City authors for kids – from young kids through young adult, and our current favorite book of theirs.

For your preschooler – we have fallen in love with… I Like Me! (Picture Puffins) – by Nancy Carlson – I love many of Nancy’s books like her getting ready for kindergarten and first grade books. Nancy takes topics that are so real – like worry and self-esteem and dealing with new things, and writes beautiful and understandable stories for our children. Her books start great conversations and provide a lovely message for our kids.

For Elementary ages – Flora & Ulysses – Kate DiCamillo  – Flora & Ulysses(Winner of the 2014 Newbury Medal!) is a new favorite in our home. We’ve read and loved all of Kate’s books(and not just because she’s local and we’ve met her) like Tales Of Despereaux, The Magician’s Elephant, Because Of Winn Dixie, and the Mercy Watson series, because she fills her books with wonder and love and they are amazing for seriously any age(even 45). Esther said this one was a super fun book to read and it made her laugh and she loved the comics!

For tweens and teens – In Search of Mockingbird – Loretta Ellsworth – What to say about Loretta Ellsworth. My daughter loves her – and so do I. Each book takes a gentle look at difficult subjects. These are books that we’ve enjoyed reading apart and coming together to discuss. Topics are mature – but have been appropriate for my preteen to read. We’ve also loved The Shrouding Woman, Unforgettable, and In A Heartbeat – but In Search Of Mockingbird has been our favorite read – and made us even revisit To Kill A Mockingbird together. If your 9-14 year old is in search of a new author to love – look no further.

Do you have a favorite local author?