Graham Salisbury is a critically acclaimed author who was born in Philadelphia and grew up on the islands of Hawaii and Oahu. He comes from a long line of newspapermen, with his family being associated with the Honolulu Advertiser for over a century. However, Salisbury chose to imagine rather than report, finding joy in exploring fictional themes, situations, and lives through his writing. His work, which includes Eyes of the Emperor, Blue Skin of the Sea, Under the Blood-Red Sun, Shark Bait, Jungle Dogs, Lord of the Deep, Island Boyz, and various short stories, has been widely celebrated and distinguished with numerous awards.
Salisbury's writing is known for its authenticity, which is partly attributed to his upbringing in the Hawaiian islands. He often incorporates Hawaiian pidgin English, a tropical patois, into his writing to create a unique sense of place and character. Syntax and language play a significant role in establishing the authenticity of his stories. Salisbury is particularly interested in exploring themes related to boys and growing up, drawing from his own experiences and values. He emphasizes the importance of qualities such as honesty, friendship, honor, loyalty, integrity, courage, work, and passion in his books.
Graham Salisbury's career as an author has been significantly influenced by his mother and James Monroe Taylor, his high school headmaster. After his mother sent him to boarding school in the middle of Parker Ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii, he found the structure and limits he needed to develop as a person. Taylor, who took small groups of students into his home and lectured them on the qualities of life, had a lasting impact on Salisbury. His teachings helped Salisbury make better choices during challenging situations and provided a foundation for his future success.
Salisbury has spoken to many students throughout his career, but an encounter with a third-grade class inspired him to create his newest creation, Calvin Coconut. He wanted to capture the energy and delight he saw in those young students and create books that could engage and interest young readers, particularly boys. He aims to build trust and turn boys into lifetime readers by writing about real-life situations and themes that resonate with young audiences.