John

Coy

Award Winning Children’s Author

Young Adult Novelist

Travels from: Minneapolis, MN

“Outstanding in all ways, this title deserves a place in most collections and adds a wonderful opportunity for upper elementary students (and higher!) to unpack our complicated histories.” ― starred review of Where We Come From, School Library Journal

John Coy is the author of young adult novels, the 4 for 4 middle-grade series, and nonfiction and fiction picture books including Night Driving, Hoop Genius, Two Old Potatoes and Me, Their Great Gift, Dads, My Mighty Journey, and the unique collaboration Where We Come From. He has three new picture books, The Secret of Fall, Stokes: The Brief Career of the NBA’s First Black Superstar, written with Ty Chapman, and So Cold!

He has received numerous awards for his work including a Marion Vannett Ridgway Award, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor, a Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, the Burr/Warzalla Award for Distinguished Achievement in Children’s Literature, and the Kerlan Award in recognition of singular attainments in the creation of children’s literature.

John loves visiting schools and libraries across the country and around the world to discuss the process of creating a book, work with students and adults on their writing, and answer questions about reading, writing, and being an author. He lives by the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The World Game: Soccer Circles the Globe

Carolrhoda Books |

May 5, 2026

Children’s

Thwaack! Whummpp! Klangg!

From a park in the United States to a pitch in India, from the seaside in Nigeria to a stadium in Uruguay, there’s one game that brings the world together. Whether you call it football, soccer, or any other name, it’s the most popular sport on the planet.

Follow a fast-paced soccer game around the globe, moving to a new location with each turn of the page. The game includes early morning in Chicago, USA; a nighttime matchup in Shenzhen, China; an early evening game in Kochi, India; and a midafternoon match in Lagos, Nigeria. Journey through time zones and around the globe as kids everywhere use their feet to dribble, shoot, and score all the way through to the final goooooooooal!

Author John Coy and illustrator Phùng Nguyên Quang collaborated across an ocean (and multiple time zones!) to create this action-packed celebration of the power of sport to unite people worldwide!

BIPOC Representation, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Sports & Recreation

So Cold!

Minnesota Historical Society Press |

November 10, 2024

Children’s

Embrace the cold with this engaging children’s book about a father and son who practice science experiments using household objects outside on a snowy day!

When the temperature drops far below freezing, many people plan to stay warm and cozy inside. But when it’s “so cold” that everyday things behave in unusual ways, it is worth the effort to get outside and play! In this vibrantly illustrated children’s story, a boy and his father dress in layer after layer before braving the cold, and the youngster declares: “Call me Freezeman!” Together the two experiment: What happens when boiling water is flung into the air? Or when maple syrup is poured on clean snow? The night before they left a banana outside: now it’s frozen solid. Can they can use it like a hammer? A helium balloon that floats inside the house changes dramatically in the freezing air. These and other discoveries await explorers bold enough to venture out on a bright and chilly day. Back inside at the end of the day, no wonder Freezeman declares: “so cold is so fun!” This playful narrative by John Coy celebrates curiosity and exploration, while Chris Park’s brilliant artwork illuminates a winter landscape that is anything but bleak. An author’s note explains the science behind the various experiments, leaving just one question: with all these amazing activities to undertake with your favorite adult when it’s “so cold,” why would anyone prefer to stay inside?

Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Natural World

Stokes: The Brief Career of the NBA’s First Black Superstar

Millbrook Press |

October 1, 2024

Children’s Biographies

Stokes tells the story of the NBA’s first Black superstar, Maurice Stokes, who is not as well known as he should be in part because of a career-ending injury.

Coauthors and basketball enthusiasts John Coy and Ty Chapman highlight what a standout Stokes was: he was 6’7” and as they write, “nobody had ever seen a guy his size score, defend, rebound, dribble, and pass so well.”

In a 1958 game against the Minneapolis Lakers, Stokes, went down hard and hit his head, losing consciousness. At the time, there was no concussion protocol, and Stokes went back into the game. A few days later, he went into a coma and woke up unable to move his body from the neck down. Players did not have any sort of financial support in situations like this, and Stokes’s teammate Jack Twyman worked with other players and Milton Kutsher to put on a benefit game during the summer at Kutsher’s hotel in the Catskills. This game became an annual tradition, and Stokes was eventually able to travel and watch the game. Wilt Chamberlain said of Stokes, “He had something transcending as a person. . . . Everybody loved him.”

Back matter includes some great historical photos as well as further information about Stokes, who was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004, and about the NBA’s Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award.

This picture book biography provides a fascinating look at basketball history, accompanied by Lonnie Ollivierre’s action-packed illustrations.

Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Memoir & Personal Journeys

The Secret of Fall

Sleeping Bear Press |

August 1, 2024

Children’s

Each season has its own qualities that set it apart. Winter, with its stark-white crust of snow, turns even a mundane scene into a sparkling fairyland. Spring, along with her many shades of green, brings a promise of new beginnings. Summer gifts us with long, lazy days of endless blue skies and the scent of freshly mown grass. But fall has a magic, a secret, all its own. It offers a kaleidoscope of textures, smells, and colors. But what’s behind those glorious colors we see among the treetops and upon the leaf-covered ground? Are leaves more than what they seem? Through engaging text and charming artwork, young readers are invited to explore how and why leaves change color. And perhaps, after fall’s secret is revealed, we learn something about ourselves and our own distinct beauty. Back matter delves into the science behind photosynthesis.

Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Natural World

Where We Come From

Carolrhoda Books |

October 4, 2022

Children’s

In this unique collaboration, four authors lyrically explore where they each come from–literally and metaphorically–as well as what unites all of us as humans.

Richly layered illustrations connect past and present, making for an accessible and visually striking look at history, family, and identity.

We come from stardust / our bodies made of ancient elements. / We come from single cells / evolving over billions of years. / We come from place, language, and spirit. / And each of us comes from story.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

Dads

Carolrhoda Book |

April 7, 2020

Children’s/Middle Grade

Celebrate all that fathers do: building, fixing, cooking, cleaning, laughing, crying, hugging, playing and more John Coy and Wing Young Huie–the author and photographer behind Their Great Gift–reunite for a new book that shows a wide range of fathers and children, particularly highlighting families of color and lower-income families, who often aren’t depicted in children’s books. This beautiful book is a perfect Father’s Day gift

Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

If We Were Gone: Imagining the World Without People

Millbrook Press |

March 3, 2020

Children’s

Water, air, sunlight, plants . . . we need these elements to live in this world. But does the world need us? And what would happen to the world if humans were gone? This is the premise of a thought-provoking picture book from John Coy. His insightful text explores how nature would reclaim the planet, accompanied by Natalie Capannelli’s gorgeous watercolor illustrations. Back matter gives further context and discusses what kids (and all of us) can do to truly help our planet.

Environmental Concerns, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Natural World

My Mighty Journey

Minnesota Historical Society Press |

October 1, 2019

Children’s/Middle Grade

I am
a powerful
waterfall.
I listen.
I pay attention.
I have a long memory.
You might find it hard to believe,
but I have moved through time.
My Mighty Journey is the story of the only major waterfall on the Mississippi River–and the changes it has witnessed over twelve thousand years. Written from the perspective of the waterfall, the narrative considers the people who lived nearby, the ways they lived, and how the area around the waterfall changed drastically in the past two centuries.
Internationally acclaimed artist Gaylord Schanilec created stunning visual images featuring material collected along the riverbank to show the progression of the waterfall–eventually known as St. Anthony Falls–as it moved fifteen miles upriver from present-day St. Paul to its current location in downtown Minneapolis.
Many are surprised to learn that the falls has not always been locked in place. Perhaps more thought-provoking is that Europeans and their descendants have resided near the falls for less than three percent of the time people have lived here. My Mighty Journey helps readers realize that many of us are newcomers to this region and that there is so much to learn about the waterfall, this land, and our place in it.

Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Kid-Lit: Young Adult, Natural World

Creating a Picture Book

At first glance, picture books seem remarkably simple. Behind this simplicity, however, are days, months, and years of hard work. In this presentation, John will explore the steps of picture book creation from draft, through revisions, rejections, more revisions, editing, to finished book. John will show examples and discuss how the writer, editor, illustrator, art director, editorial director, publicist, lawyer, and sales staff all work together to make a book and get it into the hands of readers. John will ask questions throughout to engage the audience and will respond to questions.

Where Do You Get Your Ideas?

For many students, coming up with writing ideas is a challenge. But these same students are full of ideas. In this presentation, John will explore the process of getting started and examine ways students can develop ideas that they naturally have. He will discuss the necessity of not being too critical at this early stage in order to have multiple possibilities to choose from. John will show examples from his own early drafts and demonstrate guaranteed ways to find interesting ideas.

Revision: Seeing Your Story Again

Of all the aspects of writing, revision is the most difficult. Today’s students live in a world of fast changes, and getting them to go back and revise writing is a major challenge. John will share simple and effective tips for helping students revise. He will read selections of his own work to show the necessity of revision and will conduct exercises so students will see the improvement in their own writing quickly.

Writing a Young Adult Novel

Young adult novels provide a unique opportunity to explore character, plot, scene, voice, and ideas through the eyes of a young person. John will talk about how he organizes these elements and the surprising amount of work that is done away for the desk. John will share examples of drafts, revisions, and advance copies to show the steps a manuscript goes through on its way to becoming a YA novel. Questions are encouraged and welcomed.

It's Boring: Boys and Reading

Many boys and men don’t like to read. Why? In a first grade class, students are excited about letters and words and cracking the secret code that is reading. But by fourth and fifth grade, many boys have decided they don’t like reading. John will explore some of the larger reasons boys get turned off from reading and offer specific suggestions to address the genuine interests of boys and get them engaged in reading again.

It's True: New and Improved Nonfiction

Lately, we have had a strong emphasis on nonfiction, which some people now call informational text to not imply a hierarchy with fiction. This is a major switch for fiction lovers and many of us have a bias about nonfiction that we might not even be aware of. In this presentation, John will discuss the creativity and originality of some recent nonfiction and the connection it has with major aspects of storytelling. We can expand our definitions of fiction, nonfiction, and informational text and see how they can all work together to benefit students and teachers.

Seeing Ourselves as Writers

Many teachers and librarians are people who loved to read and write as students. As adults, however, they may have limited opportunity to write for reflection and enjoyment. In this workshop, we will examine how writing was taught to us and what lessons we took from that. We’ll explore aspects of writing such as generating ideas, creating drafts, and making stories better through revision. We’ll also examine some common obstacles that hold us back in writing. This is an excellent opportunity to challenge our notions of who is a writer and in doing so to gain new insights into exciting ways writing can be taught.

“It was such a privilege to host John Coy in our library, where his genuine passion for nonfiction truly ignited a spark in our students. John has a unique and special ability to bridge the gap between the playground and the page, showing our young readers that real-life stories—whether about sports history or the natural world—are just as gripping as fiction. During his presentation, he demystified the intricate craft of making books, walking us through his personal writing process with refreshing honesty. By sharing his messy early drafts, he emphasized that the real magic happens during revision, teaching our students that “getting it right” is a journey of persistence rather than a single moment of luck. John’s visit didn’t just give us new books to check out; it gave our students the confidence to see their own lives as stories worth telling.” — Eagle View Elementary, 2026

“I just experienced a day of utter magic as a school librarian. It was so moving, even now I tear up at how special it was. I’ve hosted authors in public library settings before but this was the first time I was ever able to host an author as a school librarian (yay! check that off the librarian bucket list!) Children and young adult author John Coy of Minneapolis came to my school and walked 3rd grade through 8th graders through the process of making a book: how it starts with a blank page, writing it, revising it, getting rejections for it, working with the publisher and securing the book contract, and even how much he gets paid for each book. It was a creativity lesson, a financial literacy lesson, a business sector lesson, and a self-empowerment lesson all in 45 minutes for each grade lesson. My students were completely rapt as John shared about making books up out of his head. Knowing how boys are not keeping up with girls worldwide in literacy at every grade level made the day extra special as there was ‘male energy’ in the library about a subject boys care about deeply: sports. John reinforced my school librarian message about the importance of reading widely so beautifully to students.” Karen Van Die, Head of Libraries, International School of Myanmar, 2025

“John’s presentation was interesting, the kids were engaged, and the teachers were happy! I’ve also never seen an author so completely comfortable with the students. Most authors might view the students with a bit of stress, but John was so relaxed and happy with them; and they certainly responded to him, raising their hands, answering questions, contributing – fantastic!” ― Minnetonka Middle School West, 2025

“John Coy was amazing! He keep our middle school students engaged by asking them questions and having them vote on a short list of possible answers. The correct answers made them focus on his writing and publishing stories. Because he grew up near our area, his statement that anyone can be an author if they work hard to make their best story possible resonated with our students. He especially emphasized the need to draft, edit, get feedback, edit, and edit some more which was greatly appreciated. His story of determination and grit to be an author will influence our students long after this school year ends.”― Cameron Middle School, 2024

“John Coy is a great writer and a natural teacher. He builds a powerful connection with students in a short amount of time. He recognizes young writers as individuals and encourages them to write from the heart while also improving their writing skills and experimenting with new techniques. He is cheerful and positive and has excellent classroom management. He plans his sessions to have a nice balance of creative writing exercises as well as plenty of time for students to write and apply what they have just learned. In short, a dream presenter!” ― Colleen Feller, Director, Success Beyond the Classroom, 2023

“John is simply the best! The way he connects with our students year after year is remarkable. He engages them in conversation about his own experiences as an author having to persevere through revisions and rejections, and then he inspires them to believe in themselves as writers capable of doing the same thing. Even our most reluctant writers put pencil to paper with John’s encouragement and finish believing they, too, can be authors. I cannot recommend John highly enough!” ― Laurie Holland, Media Specialist, Concord Elementary School, 2023

“John is a cornerstone to our conferences. He is always ready to engage and support our students and finds time to connect with each and every one of them individually. His personal touch helps our conferences stand out and gives students memories and motivation alike.” ― Phillip Olsen, Student Academics Coordinator, Sourcewell, 2023

“John is a thoughtful, clear, and engaging presenter. I appreciate his rare talent for bringing people together as a group and at the same time treating them as individuals. He engages listeners’ senses and awareness of themselves in the world, making the experience wonderfully memorable.” ― Natalie Rusk, Lifelong Kindergarten Group, the Media Lab, MIT, 2023

John’s Main link for Educators

Presentations for Educators

Curriculum Resources

John’s Link for Boys and Reading

John’s Articles

Reader’s Theater Script for Strong to the Hoop

Strong to the Hoop Link

Reader’s Theater Script for Night Driving

Activity Guide Link for Where We Come From

Activity Guide Link for Hoop Genius

Honors, Awards & Recognition

2025 List of Wisconsin’s Outstanding Children’s Book of the Year
Winner of the 2023 Carter G. Woodson Book Award
White Raven List of the International Youth Library for Best Books of 2023
Finalist for the 2023 Heartland Booksellers Award
Marion Vannett Ridgway Award for excellence in an author’s or illustrator’s first picture book, 1997
Loft/McKnight Award for Children’s Literature, Honorable Mention, 2003
Charlotte Zolotow Award for Outstanding Writing in a Picture Book, Honor, 2004
Mentor for the Shabo Mentorship in Children’s Literature from The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, 2006
Winner of the 2016 Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award for Distinguished Achievement in Children’s Literature by the Wisconsin Library Association Youth Services Section
Winner of the 2017 Correll Book Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Informational Text
Kerlan Award for 2017 in recognition of singular attainments in the creation of children’s literature and in appreciation for generous donations of resources to the Kerlan Collection for the study of children’s literature
Riverby Award Winner for 2020 for exceptional nature book for young readers by the John Burroughs Association
Nominated for 2021 Green Earth Book Award by the Nature Generation
Finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in Children’s Literature in 2023