Notable Children's Authors & Illustrators From Michigan
Explore a database of Michigan authors and illustrators compiled by the Library of Michigan, or select one of the names below to learn more about some of the prolific children's literature voices of Michigan!
Check out a picture book!
Magic Trash by Call Number: NX 180.A77 S53 2011ISBN: 9781580893862Publication Date: 2015Paintbrush in hand, Tyree transforms his decaying, crime-ridden neighbourhood into the Heidelberg Project, an interactive sculpture park. This story spans from Tyree Guyton's childhood in 1950's Detroit to his efforts to heal his community through art in the 1980s.
Dinner on Domingos by ISBN: 9781646862948Publication Date: 2021A young girl in Michigan experiences a typical Sunday night dinner at her Abuelita's house with her large and loving Ecuadorian family.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T by ISBN: 9781534452282Publication Date: 2020Winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustration Award! From a New York Times bestselling author and an acclaimed illustrator comes this vibrant portrait of Aretha Franklin that pays her the R-E-S-P-E-C-T this Queen of Soul deserves.
The Junkyard Wonders by ISBN: 9780399250781Publication Date: 2010When young Trisha finds out her class at the new school is known as 'The Junkyard,' she is devastated. She moved from her old town so she wouldn't be in a special class anymore! But then she meets her teacher, the quirky and invincible Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of students each with his or her own unique talent. And it is here in The Junkyard that Trisha learns the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are all wonders.
Good Night, Tigers by ISBN: 9781607303602Publication Date: 2015Good Night, Tigers is an adorable bedtime story for every young Detroit Tigers fan.
Over in Motown by ISBN: 9781947989160Publication Date: 2020A picture book celebrating the musical genres and rhythms of industry that fueled Detroit in the Motown era. Published by the Ann Arbor District Library.
Summer's Call by ISBN: 9781534111424Publication Date: 2022A family wakes up to the magic of a Michigan summer, enjoying the forests and the lake's beaches. Includes a nature art activity.
Publisher Spotlight: Sleeping Bear Press
"With the release of The Legend of Sleeping Bear (an Official Children’s Book of the State of Michigan) in April of 1998, Sleeping Bear Press was launched into the world of children’s books! Deeply committed to its mission of providing books that engage, entertain, and educate, these award-winning books provide opportunities for children to explore the world in educational, library, and home settings." Sleeping Bear Press is an imprint of Cherry Lake Publishing Group and is based in Ann Arbor.
The Legend of Sleeping Bear by Call Number: 15137Publication Date: 1998The first in Sleeping Bear Press' Legend series preserves the Ojibwe story of Sleeping Bear and her cubs. Selected as a State of Michigan's Official Children's Book.
M Is for Mitten by Call Number: Ap515mISBN: 9781886947733Publication Date: 1999This book acquaints children with the most important people, places and items that have helped mold Michigan into the tremendous state it is. Presents for each letter of the alphabet something associated with the state of Michigan, from "apple blossom" to "Detroit Zoo."
Check out a chapter book!
The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 by Call Number: C9413bISBN: 9780385321754Publication Date: 1995When the Watson family--ten-year-old Kenny, Momma, Dad, little sister Joetta, and brother Byron--sets out on a trip south to visit Grandma in Birmingham, Alabama, they don't realize that they're heading toward one of the darkest moments in America's history. The Watsons' journey reminds us that even in the hardest times, laughter and family can help us get through anything. Winner of the Newbery Award and Coretta Scott King honoree.
The Turtle of Michigan by ISBN: 9780063014176Publication Date: 2023The stand-alone companion to National Book Award Finalist and beloved poet Naomi Shihab Nye's The Turtle of Oman. The Turtle of Michigan is a deft and accessible novel that follows a young boy named Aref as he travels from Muscat, Oman, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and adjusts to a new life and a new school in the United States.
Firekeeper's Daughter by ISBN: 9781250766564Publication Date: 2021Daunis, who is part Ojibwe, defers attending the University of Michigan to care for her mother and reluctantly becomes involved in the investigation of a series of drug-related deaths. Winner of the Printz Medal, Morris Award, and an American Indian Youth Literature Award YA Honor Book.
Skating on Mars by ISBN: 9781250851871Publication Date: 2023Life isn't easy on twelve-year-old Mars. As if seventh grade isn't hard enough, Mars is also grappling with the recent death of their father and a realization they never got to share with him: they're nonbinary. But with their skates laced up and the ice under their feet, all of those struggles melt away.
Bud, Not Buddy by Call Number: C9413bISBN: 9780385323062Publication Date: 1999It's 1936, in Flint, Michigan, and when 10-year-old Bud decides to hit the road to find his father, nothing can stop him.
Girl in Blue by Call Number: R468gbISBN: 9780439073370Publication Date: 2001As a teen, Sarah Wheelock has vowed never to let a man control her. With this conviction, she leaves her life on a Michigan farm, disguises herself as a boy, and fights in the Civil War.
