Teen Reads by Teen Authors: Authors that have made their mark

According to a recent survey by the New York Times, 81% of the people in the United States believe they should write a book. The percentage of people that actually write a book in their lifetime is small, and the percentage that publish their book is even smaller. At this point, it's understood that it's difficult to get published. That is why it's astounding when young authors blaze into the spotlight with poignant, well written works. It's even more astounding when their works become classics. It's interesting to think about whether all of these authors started in the same place: at a lunch table in a school cafeteria, immersing themselves in a different world.

In 1999, Amelia Atwater-Rhodes published her first book 'In the Forest of the Night.' She was only thirteen years old. The story was set in the realm of Nyeusigrube, a setting around the author's hometown of Concord, Massachusetts. This paranormal young adult novel was hailed as "insightful...and imaginative" by Publisher's Weekly. Atwater-Rhodes didn't stop there. She went on to publish a second novel soon after titled 'Demon in my Eyes' which became an ALA Quick Pick. Atwater-Rhodes has published almost a dozen books since. She was named one of the 20 Teens Who'll Change the World by Teen People Magazine. Who would've thought that a thirteen year old paved the way for vampire romance?

In November 2001, Christopher Paolini, a seventeen year old from Paradise Valley, Montana self published his book 'Eldest' with the help of his family. He had written the first draft at fifteen and spent a year revising it and setting it up for publication. Author Carl Hiaasen discovered the book on vacation and brought it to the attention of his editor. This sparked a whirlwind ride, and Paolini's incredible tale went from small self-published recognition to worldwide fame. In the years that followed, Paolini continued the series and in the process sold the movie rights of 'Eldest' which hit movie screens in December 2006. Paolini, a twenty six year old, continues to write in Paradise Valley, Montana. There is no word on whether or not he is still single.

In 2002, Ned Vizzini, a nineteen year old from Park Slope, New York published his first book 'Teen Angst? Naaah...A Quasi-Autobiography.' Publisher's Weekly stated "Readers will likely laugh at 19-year-old Vizzini's awkward antics. He shows a real talent for self-deprecating humor." Vizzini had started writing for the New York Press and one of his articles was published in New York Times Magazine. 'Teen Angst' is a compilation of stories from his high school days. Since 2002, Vizzini has attended and graduated from college as well as published a second and third book. His second book, 'Be More Chill' has been optioned for film by Weitz Brothers. Vizzini has been praised by BookSence and YALSA. He currently lives in New York City.

Atwater-Rhodes, Paolini and Vizzini are only three of the wide range of teen authors that have sparkled in the genre. S.E. Hinton, author of 'The Outsiders' was only sixteen when she wrote her classic. Shelly, author of 'Frankenstein' was nineteen. Teen authors are just that: teenagers who have an extraordinary tale. Luckily, teen authors aren't like teen actors and most of them continue to write after puberty ends. This is good news for readers as it would be disappointing if MTV made a show called 'Where are they write now? One hit writers.'