Maureen Johnson is an American author of young adult nоvels. Her debut novel, The Key to the Golden Firebird (2004), was listed as the Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association in 2005. She has written several popular series, including 13 Little Blue Envelopes, The Name of the Star, Truly Devious, and Suite Scarlett.
Maureen Johnson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Maureen knew from an early age she wanted to be a writer. She went to high school at an all-girls Catholic school and graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in writing.
However, her true passion lay in working on shows, and she dedicated most of her time to theatrical endeavors. Following her college years, she assumed the role of literary manager at a remarkable Philadelphia theater company. Johnson relocated to New York and pursued studies in theatrical dramaturgy and writing at Columbia University School of the Arts.
During her graduate studies, Maureen took on several jobs to support herself financially. Her diverse employment experiences included working at a haunted house-themed restaurant, where she created a spine-chilling atmosphere for visitors. Additionally, Maureen Johnson embarked on a venture in Las Vegas, where she encountered the challenge of working on a show that involved live tigers and malfunctioning smoke machines within a confined space. Alongside these unique roles, Maureen also honed her editing skills.
Many of the adventures that Maureen's heroines face in her books are based on real-life stories. Maureen has traveled across Europe and is a Secret Sister to vlog brothers Hank and John Green.
Johnson debuted as a novelist in 2004 with The Key to the Golden Firebird, a poignant story set in the suburbs of Philadelphia that explores themes of grief and resilience through the lives of three sisters coping with the loss of their father. The novel received critical acclaim, with starred reviews from School Library Journal and Booklist. She followed up with The Bermudez Triangle, a compelling exploration of friendship and self-identity among three best friends in high school.
One of Johnson's most beloved works, 13 Little Blue Envelopes, was published in 2005. This series follows the adventurous journey of seventeen-year-old Ginny Blackstone across Europe as she follows instructions left by her late aunt. Johnson infused elements of contemporary realism and a touch of fairytale-like charm into the story. Devilish, published in 2006, marked her first foray into supernatural fiction and garnered a nomination for the Andre Norton Award.
In 2008, Johnson introduced readers to the enchanting world of Suite Scarlett, a series centered around fifteen-year-old Scarlett Martin and her family's hotel in Manhattan. The book received critical praise and was selected as one of the Best Books for Young Adults by the American Library Association. Johnson continued to captivate readers with her storytelling prowess through contributions to various anthologies, including Vacations from Hell and Zombies vs. Unicorns.
Johnson's Shades of London series, starting with The Name of the Star in 2011, delves into the paranormal mysteries surrounding a Louisiana teenager attending boarding school in London. The series received accolades, including an Edgar Award nomination for young adult fiction. Johnson has also been actively involved in the literary community, coordinating the Lit Track programming at LeakyCon, a renowned Harry Potter fan convention.
Beyond her writing, Johnson is known for her strong presence on social media, particularly Twitter, where she shares thoughts and engages with her readers. She has also been a vocal advocate for diverse representation in young adult literature. In response to challenges to her books, Johnson has stood up for freedom of expression and called for transparency in the process.
Maureen Johnson's impact as an author extends beyond her captivating novels. Her dedication to storytelling, advocacy for diverse voices, and engaging presence on social media have endeared her to a vast audience of young adult readers.
Maureen Johnson now lives and writes in New York City.
Photo credit: www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com
