New York Times best-selling author Shannon Hale, whose literary work includes the Newbery Honor recipient 'Princess Academy,' has established a prolific career spanning fifty books for readers of all ages. The Utah-based author has sold more than 15 million copies of her works, which have been translated into 25 different languages.
Diverse Literary Catalog
Hale's literary catalog encompasses a wide range of formats and audiences, from preschool picture books to adult novels. Her middle grade achievements include the 'Princess Academy' series, which features titles such as 'Palace of Stone' and 'Forgotten Sisters.' She also authored the 'Ever After High' series, a five-novel collection for middle grade readers produced alongside her husband, Dean Hale.
In the realm of graphic novels, Hale has collaborated with various artists to create acclaimed works. Alongside Caldecott honoree LeUyen Pham, she developed the graphic novel memoirs 'Real Friends,' 'Best Friends,' and 'Friends Forever.' Her collaborative efforts also include the 'Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn' picture book series and the 'Princess in Black' early chapter book series, which consists of 11 books.
Young Adult and Adult Works
Hale's work for older audiences includes both young adult fantasy and adult fiction. Her 'Books of Bayern' series, which includes 'The Goose Girl,' 'Enna Burning,' 'River Secrets,' and 'Forest Born,' gained significant recognition, with 'The Goose Girl' receiving the Josette Frank Award and ALA Teens' Top Ten honors. Other notable young adult titles include 'Book of a Thousand Days,' 'Dangerous,' and 'Kind of a Big Deal.'
For adult readers, Hale wrote the 'Austenland' series. The novel 'Austenland' was adapted into a feature film starring Keri Russell and Jennifer Coolidge, which served as a competition selection at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Her other adult works include 'The Actor and the Housewife.'
Collaborations and Comic Works
Hale frequently collaborates with her husband, Dean Hale, on several high-profile projects. Together, they co-wrote the Eisner-nominated graphic novel 'Rapunzel's Revenge' with Nathan Hale, as well as 'Calamity Jack.' Their joint ventures also include the 'Unbeatable Squirrel Girl' series of two novels and various DC Comics titles, such as the 'Diana, Princess of the Amazons' series with Victoria Ying and 'Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld' with Asiah Fulmore.
Professional Background and Awards
The author's journey into professional writing began at age ten, though she spent years writing in secret while pursuing a passion for theater. After earning a bachelor's degree in English and a Master's in Creative Writing, Hale transitioned from studying literary fiction to composing fantasy novels. Her first published book, 'The Goose Girl,' was the result of four years of dedicated work aimed at blending literary quality with engaging storytelling.
Her professional accolades include wins for the Cybils, Teen Readers’ Choice, and Nerdies, as well as numerous state awards. Her books have been recognized as 'Best Book of the Year' by a wide array of institutions, including School Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, NPR, and the LA Times.
Personal Life
Currently residing near Salt Lake City, Utah, Hale lives with her husband, Dean, their four children, and two cats. Beyond her writing, she is recognized as a public speaker and an advocate for gender equality.
