Janet Tashjian is a children’s, middle-grade and young adult novelist who’s been writing books for children for over two decades. Her first novel, Tru Confessions, was made into a critically acclaimed Disney TV movie starring Clara Bryant and Shia LaBeouf. The Gospel According to Larry series is a cult favorite and Fault Line is taught in many middle and high schools. Her bestselling My Life As a Book series is illustrated by her son, Jake. They also collaborated on the Einstein the Class Hamster series. Jake will sometimes accompany Janet for events. Her newest series that Jake also illustrated is about Hannah Sharpe, Cartoon Detective, an observant young sleuth on the autism spectrum who likes to solve mysteries by drawing cartoons of her cowboy alter ego, Dusty Pickle.
Janet collaborated with fellow Macmillan author Laurie Keller on the chapter book series Mary Frye, Private Eye. She currently lives in Los Angeles and made her new home city the setting of the Sticker Girl series, which details the adventures of Martina who overcomes being shy with the help of her magical stickers that come to life.
Prior to Ms. Tashjian’s visit, we did not have the reputation for being a school of readers. After her visit, it was a different story. Ms. Tashjian has the rare ability to write wonderful books AND relate to students in an authentic and enthusiastic way. Even our younger students were mesmerized by her presentation. Our teachers quoted her for months after the school visit. Ms. Tashjian is one of my favorite authors to work with. — Tricia London; Middle High Library Director, Avon, MA
