KL Going facts for kids

KL Going (born August 21, 1973) is an American author. She writes exciting books for children and teenagers.

Her first novel, Fat Kid Rules the World, received a special honor. It was named a Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book. This award is given by the American Library Association for excellent young adult books. Her book was also on the Young Adult Library Services Association's "Best Books for Young Adults" list.

Many of her books have been chosen for special lists and awards. They have been featured by important book reviewers like Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal. Her stories are enjoyed by readers all over the world. They have been published in countries like Korea, Japan, and Germany.

Her novel Fat Kid Rules the World was even made into a movie! The film first showed at the SXSW Film Festival. It won an award from the audience there.

Before becoming a full-time writer, KL Going worked at a literary agency. This is a place that helps authors get their books published. She used what she learned to write a helpful guide for new writers. It's called Writing and Selling the Young Adult Novel. She has also written short stories and picture books.

Early Life and Education

KL Going's full name is Kelly Louise Going. She was born in Rhinebeck, New York.

Career Highlights

After college, KL Going volunteered in New Orleans, Louisiana. She taught adults how to read. When she returned to New York, she started working in publishing. She worked for a literary agency called Curtis Brown, Ltd.

After her first novel, Fat Kid Rules the World, was published, she began writing part-time. She also managed an independent bookstore in Cold Spring, New York.

KL Going has written many books. These include three novels for young adults and three for middle school readers. She has also written picture books and a guide for writers. Her books have been published by major companies like Penguin Random House. They have won many awards.

Her books have been turned into audiobooks and a movie. Some have even had their rights bought for TV shows and Broadway theatre. She has also written short stories for different collections.

Besides writing, KL Going also teaches. She leads workshops for other writers. She visits schools and libraries to talk about her books. She even does Skype calls with schools around the world. She also teaches language arts part-time at a private school in upstate New York.

Young Adult Novels

• Fat Kid Rules the World (2003): This story is about Troy, a 296-pound teenager. He becomes friends with a local guitar player named Curt MacCrae. Curt wants them to start a band, with Troy as the drummer. The only problem is Troy doesn't know how to play drums!
• Saint Iggy (2006): This book tells the story of Iggy Corso. He gets kicked out of school for supposedly threatening a teacher. Iggy then tries to do good things to change how others see him.
• King of the Screw Ups (2009): This is a funny story about Liam Gellar. He gets kicked out of his home. He has to move in with his uncle, who loves glam-rock and cross-dressing. Liam wants to get back into his father's good graces. He tries to do better in school and avoid being too popular. But even when he tries to mess up, he somehow succeeds.

Middle Grade Novels

• The Liberation of Gabriel King (2005): This historical fiction novel is set in 1976. It's about Gabriel King and his best friend Frita Wilson. They decide to face all their fears during one summer.
• The Garden of Eve (2007): This novel mixes magic with real life. It explores feelings like sadness, healing, and growing up.
• Pieces of Why (2016): After a shooting in her neighborhood, Tia searches for the truth. She wants to know about the crime that sent her father to prison years ago.

Picture Books

• Dog in Charge (2012): Find out what happens when a dog is left in charge of five clever cats.
• Bumpety, Dunkety, Thumpety-Thump (2017): This book is full of rhythm, sounds, and fun!
• The Shape of the World (2017): This book was inspired by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It shows how the world around us is made of many shapes.

Film Adaptation

The movie Fat Kid Rules the World was shown at South by Southwest. It won the Audience Award for Narrative Spotlight. The actor Matthew Lillard directed the film. The main character was played by Jacob Wysocki. The music for the film was created by Mike McCready from the band Pearl Jam. The movie was filmed in Seattle, Washington.