Ari Berk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ari Berk
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| Born | March 7, 1967 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
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| Alma mater | Humboldt State University University of Arizona |
| Genre | Children's fiction, dark fantasy, fantasy, gothic, mythology, non-fiction, poetry, young adult |
| Notable works | The Undertaken trilogy, the Secret History series, William Shakespeare: His Life and Times, Goblins!, Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Letters, The Runes of Elfland |
Ari Berk (born March 7, 1967) is an American writer and expert on old stories. He studies myths, legends, and different cultures. He has written many books for kids and adults. Berk also teaches at a university.
About Ari Berk
Ari Berk was born in Los Angeles, California. He studied ancient history, American Indian cultures, and different types of literature. He earned degrees from Humboldt State University and the University of Arizona. One of his teachers was N. Scott Momaday, who won a special award called the Pulitzer Prize.
Berk helped create the first special program for studying American Indian Studies at a university in the United States. This shows how much he knows about different cultures and their stories.
His Books
Ari Berk has written many exciting books. He often works with other artists and writers. For example, he teamed up with fairy artist Brian Froud on books like The Runes of Elfland and Goblins!. He also helped write the Lady Cottington series with Terry Jones and others.
One of his most popular series for kids is the Secret History books. These books explore different myths and creatures. The series started with The Secret History of Giants. He then wrote The Secret History of Mermaids and Merfolk and The Secret History of Hobgoblins.
The Secret History of Giants won two important awards. It received a Recommended Parents' Choice Award in 2008. It also won a Notable Award from The National Council of Teachers of English in 2009.
Teaching and Other Work
Today, Ari Berk is a professor at Central Michigan University. He teaches students about mythology (the study of myths), folklore (traditional stories and beliefs), American Indian studies, and medieval literature (writings from the Middle Ages).
He used to be an editor for the Folksroots section of Realms of Fantasy magazine. He also helps guide the Mythic Imagination Institute. This group works to share the power of myths and stories. Ari Berk grew up in California. Now, he lives in Michigan with his family.
Awards
- The Secret History of Giants: Recommended Award 2008, Parents' Choice Award.
- The Secret History of Giants: Notable Award 2009, The National Council of Teachers of English.
- William Shakespeare: His Life and Times: Children's Choice Award 2010, School Library Association.
