Jodi Picoult facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jodi Picoult
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Picoult as the 2013 Harry Middleton Lecturer at the LBJ Presidential Library
|
|
| Born | 1966 (age 58–59) Nesconset, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Novelist |
| Education | |
| Period | 1992–present |
| Spouse | Timothy Warren Van Leer (m. 1989) |
| Children | 3 |
Jodi Lynn Picoult (born in 1966) is a famous American writer. She has written many novels and short stories, totaling 28 books! She even wrote some issues of the Wonder Woman comic series. About 40 million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Her books have also been translated into 34 different languages. In 2003, she won the New England Bookseller Award for fiction. Picoult writes popular stories often about families and their challenges.
Contents
Early Life and First Stories
Jodi Picoult was born in Nesconset, New York, on Long Island, in 1966. She has one younger brother. She finished high school in 1983. Her family was Jewish, but they did not practice their religion often.
Picoult wrote her very first story when she was only five years old. It was called "The Lobster Which Misunderstood." Both her mother and grandmother were teachers. Jodi says they had a big influence on her love for writing.
Education and Early Jobs
Picoult studied creative writing at Princeton University. She graduated in 1987 with a degree in English. While in college, she had two short stories published in Seventeen magazine.
After college, she worked many different jobs. She edited textbooks and taught eighth-grade English. She later earned a master's degree in education from Harvard University. Picoult also has two special honorary degrees from Dartmouth College and the University of New Haven. In 2016, she was chosen to speak at Princeton's Class Day before graduation.
Writing Career Highlights
Jodi Picoult became a writer for the DC Comics series Wonder Woman (volume 3). Her first issue came out in March 2007. Her last issue was published in June 2007.
Her book Nineteen Minutes was published in 2007. It was her first book to reach number one on the New York Times Best Seller list. Many of her other books also became number one bestsellers. These include Change of Heart (2008), Handle with Care (2009), and House Rules (2010).
Her 2024 novel, By Any Other Name, explores an interesting idea. It suggests that the poet Emilia Lanier might have written some of William Shakespeare's works. Picoult believes that people in the theater back then knew "William Shakespeare" was a name used for many different writers. She also thinks Shakespeare could not have written characters who were so ahead of their time.
Advocacy and Community Work
Jodi Picoult is involved in many important causes. In 2016, she joined the board of VIDA: Women in Literary Arts. This group works to show how few women are recognized in literature. It also helps give a voice to writers who have been overlooked. This includes people of color, writers with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
She was also part of the first Writers Council for the National Writing Project in 2013. This organization helps teachers improve student writing skills. Picoult was also a spokesperson for Positive Tracks. This group helps young people raise money for charities through sports.
In 2010, Picoult led a charity run for the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth. She is also on the Advisory Committee for the New Hampshire Coalition Against the Death Penalty. This group worked to end the death penalty in New Hampshire.
In 2004, Picoult co-founded the Trumbull Hall Troupe. This group gives children a fun way to learn about theater. Kids from grades 6 to 12 can audition for an original musical. Picoult writes the musical with composer Ellen Wilber. All the money raised goes to local charities. The group has given over $120,000 to charities since it started.
In 2017, Picoult spoke at the New Hampshire Women's Day of Action and Unity. She supported the Women's March on Washington.
Honors and Awards
Jodi Picoult has received many awards for her writing:
- New England Bookseller Award for Fiction (2003)
- Alex Award from the Young Adult Library Services Association (2005)
- Book Browse Diamond Award for novel of the year (2005)
- Lifetime Achievement Award for mainstream fiction from the Romance Writers of America
- Fearless Fiction Award from Cosmopolitan magazine (2007)
- Waterstone's Author of the Year (UK)
- Vermont Green Mountain Book Award (2007)
- New Hampshire Granite State Book Award
- Virginia Reader's Choice Award (2007)
- Abraham Lincoln Illinois High School Book Award (2006)
- Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award (2007)
- New Hampshire Literary Award for Outstanding Literary Merit (2013–14)
- Princeton Alumni Weekly Our Most Influential Alumni list
- Sarah Josepha Hale Award Medalist (2019)
Personal Life
Jodi Picoult married Timothy Warren van Leer in 1989. They met when they were in college. They live in Hanover, New Hampshire, with their three children. Picoult has also written two books with her daughter, Samantha.
Film and Television Adaptations
Several of Jodi Picoult's books have been made into movies or TV shows:
- The Pact (2002) (Lifetime Original Movie)
- Plain Truth (2004) (Lifetime Original Movie)
- The Tenth Circle (2008) (Lifetime Original Movie)
- My Sister's Keeper (2009) (feature film)
- Salem Falls (2011) (Lifetime Original Movie)
Images for kids
-
A robot for kids
In Spanish: Jodi Picoult para niños
