Varian Johnson's Blog

I have a new book coming out on May 6 — and it’s my first picture book! Pre-order links below!

 

Elijah can’t wait to take his brand-new kite for its first flight! But with a new baby in the family, Daddy has to work this weekend. Elijah finds a clever way to help out and pitch in with his family while also reminding his dad how to still have a little fun.

LITTLE BIG MAN
Written by Varian Johnson
Illustrated by Reggie Brown
Orchard Books/Scholastic Press
May 6, 2026

Preorder links:
Bookshop.org
Barnes and Noble
Amazon

 

 

 

The post My debut picture book! appeared first on Varian Johnson, Author.

I have a new book coming out!

It’s called TWINS! It’s about…well, twins! It’s also my first graphic novel, illustrated by Shannon Wright. You can read more about the book, including what inspired the book and what nice people are saying about the book (cough, cough, FOUR STARRED REVIEWS) on my TWINS page.

Thanks to Covid-19, I won’t be traveling in person for the book, but I will be doing A LOT of virtual events. They’re all listed on my calendar page.

As always, thanks for the support! I hope you all are staying safe! And if you’re of age, remember to vote on November 3!

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I’m busy, busy, busy—trying to get as much writing done as I can in anticipation for a busy Fall 2020. But I did want to drop in to show off two new books—one already released, the other coming later this year (thus the busy Fall 2020).

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What Were The Negro Leagues?

written by Varian Johnson

illustrated by Stephen Marchesi

Available where all books are sold

 

And…introducing my first graphic novel!

 

 

TWINS

written by Varian Johnson

illustrated by Shannon Wright

Coming Oct 6, 2020

Pre-Order Now!!

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After a busy spring, things kept rolling in the summer. Here are just a few photos of recent events! Check out my calendar to see where I’ll be this fall.

Chicago Public School Department of Literary: School Libraries Transform

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ExpandED Schools’ MS ExTRA Literacy Institute (New York)

 

 

 

Mississippi Book Festival

(Varian Johnson, Charlotte Jones Voiklis, Merrill Wyatt, Clara Martin, Veera Hiranandani, and Kate Beasely)

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Thanks to Scholastic UK, The Parker Inheritance is making its way across the pond to the UK. And here’s the cover! Very posh, if I do say so myself.

 

The post Tally-Ho! appeared first on Varian Johnson, Author.

WHAT!!!! 

Click here for the full press release.

The post Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book! appeared first on Varian Johnson, Author.

Nerdy Book Club was gracious enough to host my cover reveal for my new middle grade, The Parker Inheritance. Please click-though to read more about my inspiration for the book!

Book Description:

The Westing Game meets The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 in a stirring mystery of past and present, as two kids search for a place in their families, their city, and their country with the help of each other.

The letter waits in a book, in a box, in an attic, in an old house in Lambert, South Carolina. It’s waiting for Candice Miller.

When Candice finds the letter, she isn’t sure she should read it. It’s addressed to her grandmother, after all, who left Lambert in a cloud of shame. But the letter describes a young woman named Siobhan Washington. An injustice that happened decades ago. A mystery enfolding the letter-writer. And the fortune that awaits the person who solves the puzzle.

Grandma tried and failed. But now Candice has another chance.

So with the help of Brandon Jones, the quiet boy across the street, she begins to decipher the clues in the letter. The challenge will lead them deep into Lambert’s history, full of ugly deeds, forgotten heroes, and one great love; and deeper into their own families, with their own unspoken secrets. Can they find the fortune and fulfill the letter’s promise before the answers slip into the past yet again?

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Why everyone should rock the vote in 2016. rvote.com/firstvote2016#firstvote2016#rockthevote

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My sixth book (!!) just came out! Go get it!

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This was a great spring! Here are some photos from my various visits earlier this year. I’m actively booking events for 2016-2017, so please contact me if you’re interested!

Jeff Anderson, Linda Urban, and me at the TCTELA Conference

TO CATCH A CHEAT Book Launch

TO CATCH A CHEAT Book Launch

On tour for TO CATCH A CHEAT

On tour for TO CATCH A CHEAT

School Visits with Katy ISD

School Visits with Katy ISD

School Visits with Katy ISD

Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival

Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival

Writing Workshop for the Hong Kong International Young Readers Festival

NTTBF Educator Day with Karin Perry, Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Marie Lu, and Jonathan Maberry

In Conversation with James Dashner at NTTBF

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