EVAN GRIFFITH

MANATEE SUMMER (June 28, 2022)

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

★ "Traditional masculine stereotypes are defied by a gentle, attentive friendship between two boys . . . A lush backdrop and sweet characters facing complicated problems will keep readers hooked."—Kirkus starred review

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"By turns heartbreaking and heart-healing, Manatee Summer is an empowering story about facing change with bravery, humor, and hope. Don’t miss this unforgettable middle grade debut by an exciting new voice."—Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only Ivan

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“Transporting readers right to the Florida shore, Evan Griffith's gorgeous debut makes you appreciate how simultaneously beautiful and tumultuous caretaking for a family member can be, and how loving and caring for those you love knows no depths.”—Nicole Melleby, author of How to Become a Planet

Cover art by Paddy Donnelly

★ "An excellent purchase for elementary school collections because of the focus on an unsung female scientist paired with solid back matter and beautiful illustrations."—School Library Journal, starred review

"An appealing biography for children intrigued by sea creatures, and an inspiring choice for future marine biologists."—Booklist

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"Griffith has applied years of editing experience to his debut picture book, selecting a career highpoint for his smoothly told narrative . . . An appealing introduction to a STEM trailblazer."—Kirkus

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"An informative, well-paced narrative biography featuring a lesser-known historical figure who persevered."—Publishers Weekly

Evan Griffith is the author of the middle-grade novel Manatee Summer (Quill Tree, 2022) and the picture book biography Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist (Clarion, 2021). He studied creative writing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

He worked for several years as an editor at Workman Publishing, where he specialized in non-fiction for children and adults, and he continues to edit books on a freelance basis. Through his role as the youth programming specialist at The Writing Barn, a creative writing education center, he also teaches online writing classes for kids.

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He lives in Austin, Texas with a mischievous tuxedo cat and several overflowing bookshelves.

Sam Bond Photography

I teach online creative writing classes through The Writing Barn. I am also available for school and library visits. Upcoming events and classes will be listed here. Feel free to get in touch via the contact form below if you would like to arrange an event or visit. 

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• May 1, 2022: "Writing Animals," a breakout session at Austin SCBWI Writers & Illustrators Working Conference

• June 29, 2022: FREE Virtual. Book Launch for Manatee Summer (Register in advance)

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*Hear Evan talk about Secrets of the Sea and all things writing on the Truer Words podcast.*

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