“In the midst of writing books and working full time, Varian also attended the Vermont College of Fine Arts, where he received a MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults.

When he’s not writing about foul-mouthed, angst-ridden teenagers, he designs bridges. If you live in Austin or Dallas, you’ve more than likely traveled over some of them.

For more earth-shaking information about Varian, check out the FAQ page. Or check out his blog. Or email him.” (from Varian’s website)

Works:

Red Polka Dot in a World Full of Plaid

My Life as a Rhombus (linked to my review) AWARDS: A 2009 Texas Library Association Tayshas High School Reading List Selection; – A 2009 New York Public Library “Stuff for the Teen Age” Book Selection

Saving Maddie (linked to my review) AWARDS: A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of 2011

“From today’s PW Children’s Bookshelf: Cheryl Klein at Scholastic’s Arthur A. Levine Books imprint has bought world rights, in a pre-empt, to author Varian Johnson’s middle-grade debut, Jackson Greene Steals the Election. Pitched as Ocean’s Eleven for middle-schoolers, the book stars an eighth-grade reformed con artist who has to get his old crew back together to stop the school bully from winning the all-powerful SGA Presidential election, while trying to win back his ex-best friend and first crush. Sara Crowe at Harvey Klinger brokered the deal.” (Lifted from one of Varian’s recent FB posts)

I’m really looking forward to meeting Jackson Green and I hope he has a long life at Scholastic!