Neal Shusterman is a highly acclaimed American author, well-known for his young adult novels. He has written more than thirty award-winning books and has established himself as a New York Times bestselling author. Shusterman was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up with a keen interest in literary works. He began writing at a very young age, and his capabilities were recognized by his English teacher in ninth grade, who challenged him to write one story a month to earn extra credits. This challenge sparked his passion for writing, and by ninth grade, he considered himself a serious writer. Shusterman studied psychology and theater at the University of California, where he wrote an independent study program and a humor column, which were well-received by the students.
Shusterman's professional writing career took off within a year of his graduation when he signed his first book deal and was hired to write a movie script. Since then, he has made significant contributions to the world of creative writing, movie scripting, and television. His books have received numerous awards from organizations such as the International Reading Association and the American Library Association. In addition to his work as a novelist, Shusterman has also written for television shows like Goosebumps and Animorphs, and has written screenplays for motion pictures. He has written short stories, plays, essays, and poems, and has even tried his hand at creating games. Shusterman's talents are not limited to writing, as he has also directed short films, written music and stage plays, and is a dynamic speaker in high demand at schools and conferences.
Shusterman's novels deal with topics that appeal to both adults and teens, and his characters are infused with a unique sense of humor. His books, including Unwind, Everlost, Downsiders, and The Schwa Was Here, have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Shusterman's works often explore sensitive and riveting issues, weaving together true-to-life characters and entertaining storylines. He has a talent for creating believable worlds and characters that readers can connect with, making his books a popular choice among young adults. Shusterman currently lives in Southern California with his four children, who continue to be a source of inspiration for his writing.