Jamie Michalak

Jamie Michalak (she/her) (jamiemichalakbooks.com) is the author of picture books and early readers, including the popular Frank and Bean early reader series, the multiple starred reviewed Niki Nakayama, Hazel the Handful, the Dakota Crumb picture books, the Joe and Sparky early readers series, Come On In: There’s a Party in this Book, and many more.

By day, Jamie writes for a toy and board game company. She leads interactive, humorous presentations for students that connect writing with fun, and she always keeps reluctant readers and writers in mind. She lives with her family and good dog, Lucy Caboose, in Rhode Island.

Select Awards & Honors

• Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
• Cybils Award finalist
• The Library of Congress/Center for the Book 52 Great Reads for Kids
• A Kirkus Best Children’s Book of the Year
• CBC Notable Social Studies Book
• Children’s Book Council 2023 Favorites Award Winner
• A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year
• Chicago Public Library Best of the Best
• A Mighty Girl Book of the Year
• Florida SSYRA JR Award Nominee
• Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award nominee
• Sakura Medal nominee
• The Most Astonishingly Unconventional Books of the Year (100 Scope Notes / School Library Journal)
• An Amazon Best Book of the Year

Testimonials

“Jamie is a wonderful author and an amazing presenter. We have had her come to speak to 100 second graders at our school several times, and it is always a joy. Her presentation is informative, meaningful, and engaging. Her stories have an amazing sense of humor and charm that really speaks to children. I highly recommend her! Your students are guaranteed to have a great time!” —Daniel Lipton, 2nd Grade Teacher, Florida Ruffin Ridley School, Brookline, MA

“Jamie Michalak is an engaging presenter who captivated the third grade students at White Street School. Her humor and ability to connect to the students motivated them to write when back in the classroom. The library at White Street School was full of laughter and smiles created by a creative, successful author.” —Lauren Morency, 3rd Grade Special Education/Inclusion, White Street School, Springfield, MA

“Our visit with author Jamie Michalak was so successful! Her presentation was engaging, interactive, and age appropriate! Although the students were sad to see her visit come to an end, they were motivated to get into their writing folders! As a class, we referred to her ‘author advice’ throughout the year as writers.” —Christina Squatrito, 1st Grade Teacher, Sowams School, Barrington, RI

Books by Jamie Michalak