Eric Gansworth

Eric Gansworth is an acclaimed author and visual artist known for his novels that blend storytelling with illustrations, creating a unique narrative experience. His works include the award-winning "Mending Skins" (2005) and "Extra Indians" (2010), both of which explore themes of identity, community, and resilience within Indigenous contexts. His debut Young Adult novel, "If I Ever Get out of Here" (2013), received critical praise for its authentic portrayal of friendship between two boys from vastly different backgrounds—one from the Tuscarora Nation and the other from a nearby Air Force base. Booklist hailed the novel for its ability to transcend stereotypes while vividly depicting two fully realized worlds.

An enrolled citizen of the Onondaga Nation, Gansworth grew up in the Tuscarora Nation, drawing from his rich cultural heritage to inform his writing. Initially trained in electroencephalography, he later pursued literature and visual arts, integrating his passion for painting and drawing into his novels. His works often center on Indigenous experiences, combining prose with original artwork to deepen the reader's engagement. Gansworth's storytelling is marked by its lyrical quality and attention to the complexities of Native American life, earning him recognition as a distinctive voice in contemporary literature.

Gansworth continues to write and create, contributing to both adult and young adult fiction. His ability to weave visual and literary art forms sets his work apart, offering readers a multifaceted exploration of identity, history, and belonging. With multiple novels and accolades to his name, he remains a vital figure in Indigenous literature.