Gennifer Choldenko - Best Selling Children's Book Author
Gennifer Choldenko is one of the most celebrated authors of children’s books today, best known for her Tales from Alcatraz. Through her relatable characters, humor, and heartfelt stories, Choldenko tackles complex themes in ways that resonate deeply with young readers. Her books, like Al Capone Does My Shirts and Orphan Eleven, have captivated kids and adults alike and earned her critical acclaim, including a Newbery Honor.
Who Is Gennifer Choldenko?
Gennifer Choldenko is an American author who began her journey to becoming a writer as the youngest child in a large, loud family. Growing up in such a lively household, she developed a quirky sense of humor and a love for storytelling. As a kid, Choldenko was known for her “Gennifer Jokes”—silly, nonsensical stories that entertained her family and ultimately shaped her voice as an author.
What Are Choldenko's Most Popular Books?
Choldenko’s Tales from Alcatraz series, starting with Al Capone Does My Shirts, is her most popular work. The series follows Moose, a middle-schooler who moves with his family to Alcatraz Island, where his dad works as a prison guard. Moose’s journey involves navigating life with his autistic sister, Natalie, and adjusting to the unusual community on Alcatraz. The series has won numerous awards and is loved for its humor, heart, and realistic portrayal of family dynamics.
One of her most popular books, Orphan Eleven, introduces readers to four young orphans who find a new life in a 1939 traveling circus. Through protagonist Lucy—a girl with selective mutism—Choldenko explores themes of friendship, identity, and belonging in a unique and exciting setting. She even traveled to Thailand to study elephants in sanctuaries as part of her research, making the book’s scenes with elephants feel incredibly real.
Her latest book, The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman, tells the story of when eleven-year-old Hank’s mom doesn’t come home. Hank takes care of his toddler sister, Boo, like he always does. But after a week, they run out of food and mom has never stayed away this long. Hank knows he needs help, so he and Boo seek out the stranger listed as their emergency contact.
Why Gennifer Choldenko Writes for Middle-Grade Readers
Choldenko is passionate about writing for the 8–12 age group, a period she finds fascinating and transformative. “At that age, everything is changing,” she says. “Your body, your opinions, everything is in flux.” This excitement and change make it an ideal time for her stories, which explore themes of growth, resilience, and humor.
She also finds it rewarding to address challenging emotions that kids face. Through characters like Moose and Lucy, she helps young readers navigate feelings of love, loyalty, and frustration—emotions Choldenko herself grappled with as a kid. This focus aligns well with our mission at Stories to Grow By, where we believe stories have the power to help children connect, understand themselves, and build empathy.
How Gennifer's Books Reflect Stories to Grow By's Values
At Stories to Grow By, we are committed to sharing stories that inspire, teach, and support children’s emotional growth. Gennifer Choldenko’s books align closely with our mission by offering diverse characters, richly fleshed out families, and lessons in empathy and understanding. Her stories often show young characters overcoming challenges, understanding themselves better, and learning to care for others—a perfect fit for our readers and the stories we aim to promote.
FAQs about Gennifer’s Most Popular Children’s Books
What is the Tales from Alcatraz series about?
The Tales from Alcatraz series follows a boy named Moose as he adjusts to life on Alcatraz Island, where his dad works as a prison guard. Moose and his sister Natalie, who has autism, face unique challenges as they make friends and settle into this unusual setting. The series is beloved for its humor and heartfelt family storylines.
Who is the main character in Orphan Eleven?
Orphan Eleven centers on Lucy, a selectively mute girl who, along with three other orphans, joins a traveling circus in search of a new life. Through her journey, Lucy finds her voice and learns what it means to belong.
What inspired Gennifer Choldenko to write about Alcatraz?
Choldenko became interested in Alcatraz after seeing it every day on her commute. She then volunteered on the island to learn about its history and the lives of the families who lived there. This immersive experience helped her create the detailed, authentic setting in her books.
Why is Al Capone Does My Shirts so popular with kids?
The book is loved for its relatable characters, humor, and sensitive exploration of family relationships, especially between Moose and his autistic sister, Natalie. It also offers a unique historical setting, which makes it an exciting read.
Final Thoughts
Gennifer Choldenko’s books are more than just stories; they are gateways for young readers to understand themselves and others. From the historic setting of Alcatraz to the colorful world of a 1939 circus, her tales inspire empathy, courage, and resilience. Through Tales from Alcatraz, Orphan Eleven, and beyond, Choldenko’s work aligns closely with Stories to Grow By’s mission to bring meaningful, character-building stories to children everywhere.