Jack Gantos Books in Order

Jack Gantos is a celebrated American author of children's books, recognized for his poignant portrayals of complex characters, including the iconic Joey Pigza, a boy with ADHD, and beloved characters like Rotten Ralph and Jack Henry. A recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Newbery Medal, Newbery Honor, Scott O'Dell Award, Printz Honor, and Sibert Honor from the American Library Association, Gantos has also been a finalist for the National Book Award. Born in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, to a construction superintendent and a banker, Gantos' writing career began in sixth grade, sparked by his desire to outdo his sister's diary writing. He drew from his experiences growing up in Barbados, South Florida, and St. Croix, where he worked as a builder before pursuing higher education.