Barbara Park ​

Barbara Lynne Park was an American author of children's books. She is best known for her beloved Junie B. Jones series, which chronicles the life and adventures of its kindergarten protagonist, and has sold over 55 million copies in North America alone.

Quick Facts ​

• Started her career in 1981 as a freelance writer.
• Became a popular American children's books author, with her creation of Junie B. Jones.
• Her books have been listed on the New York Times Best Seller list numerous times.
• In 2007, was awarded the Children's Literature Legacy Award for her Junie B. Jones series.
• Her books have been translated into multiple languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.

Background ​

Park was born in 1947 in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey, and spent most of her youth in Pennsylvania. She attended Rider University where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 1969. She initially worked as a teacher and pursued her interest in writing on the side. She earned initial success in writing when her first book “Operation: Dump the Chump” was published in 1981. The books that followed such as “Skinnybones” and “The Kid in the Red Jacket” established her as a significant children's author. However, she gained enormous popularity with the release of her book series “Junie B. Jones” starting in 1992. The series has sold over 60 million copies in North America alone. She passed away in 2013 after a long battle with ovarian cancer.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Park had a knack for capturing the voice of children in her writing, combining humor, empathy, and a keen eye for detail to bring her characters to life. Her Junie B. Jones series is particularly noted for its realistic portrayal of a kindergarten girl's point of view, humorous mishaps, and easy-to-read narrative style. Despite some controversies, Park's work remains beloved among young readers, teachers, and parents alike for its charm, relatability and ability to tackle serious topics in a kid-friendly way.

Notable Works ​

• Junie B. Jones series (1992-2013)
• Skinnybones (1982)
• The Kid in the Red Jacket (1988)
• Mick Harte Was Here (1995)
• The Graduation of Jake Moon (2000)