Melanie Crowder

Melanie Crowder (she/her) is an educator, speaker, and the acclaimed author of nine novels for young readers. Her work has received numerous awards and starred reviews, and has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and The Wall Street Journal.

Kirkus reviews declares that her 2021 historical YA novel, Mazie, “deserves a standing ovation” while her 2022 contemporary YA, Jumper, “is never less than riveting.” Melanie eagerly anticipates the release of two picture books in 2024.

Her YA historical novel in verse, Audacity, was awarded the Jefferson Cup and Bulletin Blue Ribbon, and was named a National Jewish Book Award finalist. Her middle grade novel, Three Pennies, was named a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids. An Uninterrupted View of the Sky was a Walden Award finalist. A Nearer Moon was declared a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus Reviews, the New York Public Library, and Bank Street College. The Lighthouse between the Worlds was a Colorado Book Award finalist, while her debut novel, Parched, was a Junior Library selection.

A West Coast girl at heart, Melanie lives with her family under the big blue Colorado sky. She holds an MFA in writing and teaches at Vermont College of Fine Arts. For more information, visit her online at melaniecrowder.com.