Joan Bauer (novelist) facts for kids

Joan Bauer (born July 12, 1951) is an American author. She writes books for young adults, like you! Joan lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Evan Bauer. They have one daughter named Jean. Before becoming a writer, Joan worked in publishing, newspapers, and even advertising.

What Joan Bauer Writes About

Joan Bauer's books often feature teenage characters. These characters face different challenges in their lives. They might deal with family difficulties or learn to believe in themselves. Joan always adds humor and a light touch to these stories. Her books are known for their bright covers. Her name is often written in fun, mismatched colored letters.

Awards and Recognition

Joan Bauer has won many awards for her books. These awards show how much people enjoy her stories.

Some of her awards include:

• Delacorte Prize for First Young Adult Novel, 1992, for Squashed
• Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults selection, American Library Association, 1999, for Rules of the Road
• Newbery Honor Medal
• Los Angeles Times Book Prize
• Christopher Award
• Golden Kite Award, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
• Michigan Thumbs-Up! Award for Children's Literature
• New England Booksellers Award
• Literary Light Award, Boston Public Library

Famous Books by Joan Bauer

Squashed

Squashed was Joan Bauer's first book. It was published in 1992. The story is about a sixteen-year-old girl named Ellie Morgan. Ellie lives in rural Iowa. She wants her giant pumpkin to win a prize. She also hopes to impress a new boy in town. This book won the Delacorte Prize for an Outstanding First Young Adult Novel.

Hope Was Here

The book Hope Was Here came out in 2000. It was a Newbery Honor Book. This means it was a runner-up for the important Newbery Medal. The Newbery Medal is given to the best American children's book each year. Hope Was Here is about Hope Yancey, a 16-year-old waitress. She learns important life lessons while working in a small town.

Thwonk

Thwonk was published in 1996. It tells the story of A.J. McCreary. She meets a real-life cupid! The cupid can grant her one wish. This wish can help her with love, school, or art. A.J. has to decide how to use her special wish.

Peeled

Peeled was published in 2008. The main character is Hildy Biddle. Hildy dreams of becoming a journalist. She writes for her school newspaper. Hildy gets interested in a haunted house in her town. She wants to find a big story there. She is determined to uncover the truth.

List of Books

• Squashed (Delacorte Press, 1992)
• Thwonk (Delacorte, 1995) – a young-adult fantasy novel
• Sticks (Delacorte, 1996)
• Rules of the Road (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1998)
• Backwater (Putnam, 1999)
• Hope Was Here (Putnam, 2000)
• Stand Tall (Putnam, 2002)
• Best Foot Forward (Putnam, 2005)
• Peeled (Putnam, 2008)
• Close to Famous (Vikings, 2011)
• Almost Home (Viking, 2012)
• Soar (Jan, 2016)
• Tell Me (Viking, 2014)