'What exactly is an author?'

 

“An author is somebody who writes a story. It doesn't matter if you're a kid or if you're a grown-up, it doesn't matter if the book gets published and lots of people get to read it, or if you make just one copy and you share that book with one friend.”  –Jarrett J. Krosoczka

 

Krosoczka started writing and drawing while in elementary school and still calls upon some of those early ideas in his book creations.  Born in Massachusetts on this date in 1977, he is the author and illustrator of 28 books, 10 in his award-winning “Lunch Lady” series.  His 2018 book, Hey, Kiddo, was a finalist for The National Book Award for Young People’s Literature and winner of the 2019 Harvey Award (Book of the Year recognition for a graphic novel).  

  

Raised by his maternal grandparents, Krosoczka honed his artistic and writing talents at the Rhode Island School of Design.   His first book contract came shortly after graduation and he’s had a steady stream of successes since.  A few years ago, he used part of his book earnings to recognize the role his grandparents played in his life, establishing the Joseph and Shirley Krosoczka Memorial Youth Scholarships at the Worcester (Mass.) Art Museum.  

 

“When I look back at my career as an author,” he said, “I don't look at the first book that was ever published as to where my career began.  I look to the first book that I ever wrote.   You never know when your ideas are going to come back to you.”