Todd Strasser facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Todd Strasser
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Strasser in 2006
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| Born | May 5, 1950 New York City, US |
| Pen name | Morton Rhue; T. S. Rue |
| Occupation | Writer, journalist |
| Education | College |
| Alma mater | Beloit College |
| Period | 1979–present (as writer) |
| Genre | Children's and young adult fiction, novelizations, romans |
| Subject | Literature |
| Notable works | Fallout, The Wave, Price of Duty, Give A Boy A Gun |
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Todd Strasser (born May 5, 1950) is an American author. He has written more than 140 books for young adults and middle school readers. He also writes short stories and non-fiction works. Sometimes, he uses other names like Morton Rhue and T.S. Rue.
About Todd Strasser
Strasser was born in New York City. He studied writing at New York University and Beloit College. After college, he worked as a newspaper reporter. He also worked as a copywriter for an advertising company.
His first book was Angel Dust Blues (1978). Todd Strasser has two children. He enjoys playing tennis and surfing.
His Books in Germany
In Germany, Todd Strasser is very popular. He writes under the name Morton Rhue there. Some of his best-selling books in Germany include Die Welle (The Wave), Dschihad Online, and Ich knall euch ab!. Other popular titles are Boot Camp and Asphalt Tribe.
The Wave and Its Impact
The Wave is one of his most famous books. A movie based on Die Welle was released in 2008. This film, called The Wave, was a big success in Europe. In 2019, Netflix released a TV series called We Are The Wave. This show was also inspired by Strasser's novel.
Recent Works by Todd Strasser
Strasser's newer books include Price of Duty and Summer of '69. Price of Duty explores how the military encourages young people to join. It talks about promises of adventure and teamwork. This book has received excellent reviews. It was named an Amazon Young Adult Book of the Month. It was also a 2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens.
Summer of '69 is a story based on Strasser's own life. It takes place during the summer of 1969. This was the time of Woodstock, the Vietnam War, and the first moon landing. The book looks at the culture and music of the 1960s. It also touches on personal challenges he faced.
Exploring Themes in His Books
Todd Strasser often writes about important topics. These include nuclear war, Nazism, bullying in schools, and homelessness. He helps readers think about big ideas.
The Wave Experiment
His novel The Wave is a good example. He wrote it under the name Morton Rhue. The book is based on a true story. It tells about a teaching experiment called "The Third Wave." A teacher named Ron Jones did this experiment in a history class. He wanted to show students how people can be influenced. The novel is now credited to Todd Strasser. It has been translated into many languages. Students read it in schools all over the world.
Fallout and Other Stories
His 2014 novel, Fallout, is part memoir and part fiction. It imagines a nuclear war happening during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. The New York Times called it "Exciting" and "Superb entertainment."
Strasser also wrote the Time Zone High series. These books are How I Changed My Life, How I Created My Perfect Prom Date, and How I Spent My Last Night on Earth. How I Created My Perfect Prom Date was made into a movie called Drive Me Crazy.
Other books for young adults include The Accident and A Very Touchy Subject. Both of these were made into TV movies. Workin' For Peanuts also became a TV movie.
Book Series for Young Readers
Todd Strasser has written many book series. Impact Zone is about surfing. Drift X is about drift car races. Here Comes Heavenly is about a magical nanny.
He also writes books for middle schoolers. These include CON-fidence and The Diving Bell. His popular series for this age group is the 17-book Help! I'm Trapped... collection. Other series are Don't Get Caught and Camp Run-A-Muck. He also wrote funny books like Is That a Glow-In-The-Dark Bunny in Your Pillow Case?
Strasser has also published E-books in his Kids' Books series. These include The Kids' Book of Weird Science and The Kids' Book of Really Dumb American Criminals.
His articles and short stories have appeared in famous magazines. These include The New Yorker and Esquire. He has also written for The New York Times.
Awards and Recognitions
Todd Strasser's books have won many awards. These awards recognize his important contributions to young adult literature.
Awards for Fallout (2013)
- 2014 American Library Association Best Fiction for Young Adults
- 2014 American Library Association Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
- 2014 National Council for the Social Studies Notable Tradebook for Young People
- 2014 International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice
- 2014 Bank Street Teacher's College Best Children's Books of the Year
Awards for No Place (2014)
- 2015 National Council for the Social Studies Notable Tradebook for Young People
Awards for If I Grow Up (2009)
- 2010 National Council for the Social Studies Notable Tradebook for Young People
Awards for Boot Camp (2007)
- 2008 American Library Association Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
- 2015 American Library Association Popular Paperback for Young Adults
Awards for Can't Get There From Here (2004)
- 2005 American Library Association Best Fiction for Young Adults
- 2005 American Library Association Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
- 2006 International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice
- 2010 American Library Association Popular Paperback for Young Adults
Awards for Give A Boy A Gun (2001)
- 2002 International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice
- 2006 American Library Association Popular Paperback for Young Adults
Awards for Wish You Were Dead (2009)
- 2011 American Library Association Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
- 2011 Tayshas (Texas Library Association): Summer Reading List
- 2012 New York Public Library: Books for the Teen Age
- 2012 Illinois: Abraham Lincoln H.S. Book Award
- 2012 Voice of Youth Advocates Summer Reading List
See also
In Spanish: Todd Strasser para niños
