Joseph Helgerson

Joseph Helgerson is an American children's book author known primarily for his novel "Horns and Wrinkles," published by Houghton Mifflin in 2006. The book combines fantasy and adventure elements while following the story of a girl living along the Mississippi River. Prior to writing children's literature, Helgerson worked as a carpenter and woodworker. He attended Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he earned his Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing. "Horns and Wrinkles" received recognition including being named a Junior Library Guild Selection and earning a place on the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List for 2008-2009. The book incorporates local folklore and magical elements into a contemporary setting along the Upper Mississippi River. Helgerson resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His work draws inspiration from the geography and culture of the Upper Midwest region where he lives.

Readers appreciate Helgerson's balance of humor and heart, particularly in "Horns and Wrinkles" and "Crows & Cards." Parents note his books work well as family read-alouds. Multiple reviews mention the authentic character voices and period details. Likes: - Quirky magical elements that feel original - Strong regional Midwest settings - Complex characters that avoid clichés - Historical accuracy in "Crows & Cards" Dislikes: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - A few readers wanted more resolution to subplots - The dialect/accents challenging for younger readers Ratings: Goodreads: "Horns and Wrinkles" - 3.8/5 (842 ratings) "Crows & Cards" - 3.9/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: "Horns and Wrinkles" - 4.4/5 (31 reviews) "Crows & Cards" - 4.3/5 (12 reviews) Notable review: "Combines Mark Twain's wit with a dash of magical realism" - School Library Journal

Horns and Wrinkles (2006) A fantasy novel set along the Mississippi River about a 12-year-old girl who must deal with a family curse that turns bullies into rhinoceroses.

Crows & Cards (2009) Historical fiction following a young boy in 1849 who becomes involved with riverboat gamblers along the Missouri River.

Aaron's Story: When I Was A Boy In Boston (1989) A children's historical narrative depicting life in colonial Boston through the eyes of a young apprentice.