Konigsburg and Jerry Spinelli–are infused with the kind of controlled, precocious improbability that magically vivifies the finest children's classics. Of The Schwa Was Here, School Library Journal wrote: “Shusterman's characters–reminiscent of those crafted by E. A stunning novel, impossible to put down once begun. Of What Daddy Did, Voice of Youth Advocates wrote 'This is a compelling, spell-binding story. While all this is going on, he has also managed to write a rip-roaring adventure…” Of Everlost, School Library Journal wrote: “Shusterman has reimagined what happens after death and questions power and the meaning of charity. Neal's novels always deal with topics that appeal to adults as well as teens, weaving true-to-life characters into sensitive and riveting issues, and binding it all together with a unique and entertaining sense of humor. Degrees in both psychology and drama give Neal a unique approach to writing. As a speaker, Neal is in constant demand at schools and conferences. Much of his fiction is traceable back to stories he tells to large audiences of children and teenagers - such as his novel The Eyes of Kid Midas. Wherever Neal goes, he quickly earns a reputation as a storyteller and dynamic speaker. Currently Neal is adapting his novel Everlost as a feature film for Universal Studios. He has even tried his hand at creating Games, having developed three successful 'How to Host a Mystery' game for teens, as well as seven 'How to Host a Murder' games.Īs a screen and TV writer, Neal has written for the 'Goosebumps' and “Animorphs” TV series, and wrote the Disney Channel Original Movie “Pixel Perfect”.

Neal's talents range from film directing (two short films he directed won him the coveted CINE Golden Eagle Awards) to writing music and stage plays – including book and lyrical contributions to “American Twistory,” which is currently playing in Boston. His books have received many awards from organizations such as the International Reading Association, and the American Library Association, as well as garnering a myriad of state and local awards across the country. As a full-time writer, he claims to be his own hardest task-master, always at work creating new stories to tell. In the years since, Neal has made his mark as a successful novelist, screenwriter, and television writer.

Within a year of graduating, he had his first book deal, and was hired to write a movie script.

After spending his junior and senior years of high school at the American School of Mexico City, Neal went on to UC Irvine, where he made his mark on the UCI swim team, and wrote a successful humor column. Award-winning author Neal Shusterman grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he began writing at an early age.

Dry by Neal Shusterman