Finding success as a writer at a young age is not impossible, as many young authors have become bestselling authors with their works spanning various genres. Some well-known books that were written by kids and teens include “Heartsongs,” a collection of poems by Mattie J.T. Stepanek. Another example is “How to Talk to Girls” by Alec Greven, a self-help book written when he was just nine years old. Additionally, “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” and “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton are all examples of successful books written by young authors.
“Heartsongs” by Mattie J.T. Stepanek is a collection of poems that he had written and finger paintings created as young as three years old. Stepanek published multiple collections of his work before his death, with his final collection, “Reflections of a Peacemaker: A Portrait Through Heartsongs,” being released posthumously. Another book, “A Book Just Peace: A Message of Hope,” included correspondence between Stepanek and former President Carter. Stepanek’s work showcases the talent and creativity of young authors.
Alec Greven wrote “How to Talk to Girls” as a school project, which became a New York Times bestseller when he was just nine years old. The book offers advice on how to interact with girls in a humorous and relatable way. Greven’s success led to the publication of more books, including “How to Talk to Moms,” “How to Talk to Dads,” “How to Talk to Santa,” and “Rules for School.” His accomplishments show that age is not a barrier to achieving success as an author.
Christopher Paolini wrote “Eragon,” the first book in “The Inheritance Cycle” series, when he was just 15 years old. The self-published book was later picked up by a publisher and adapted into a film. Paolini continued the series with several more books, including the recently released “Murtagh.” The success of Paolini’s fantasy series at a young age demonstrates that talent can emerge at any age.
“The Diary of Anne Frank” is a poignant and widely read diary by a young girl, recounting her life while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Anne Frank started writing the diary at the age of 12, and it has since been translated into over 70 languages. The diary has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide, showcasing the power of a young author’s voice in sharing history and experiences.
“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton is a classic young adult novel about teen gangs in Oklahoma, published when the author was just 18 years old. The book has become a staple in young adult literature and was adapted into a movie in 1983, featuring a star-studded cast. Hinton’s success at a young age paved the way for other young authors to break into the literary world, proving that age is just a number when it comes to talent and creativity in writing.
