📖 Overview
Trent Reedy is an American author who primarily writes young adult and middle-grade fiction, drawing from his experiences as a combat engineer in Afghanistan with the Iowa Army National Guard.
His debut novel "Words in the Dust" (2011) tells the story of an Afghan girl with a cleft lip and won multiple awards including the Christopher Medal. The book established Reedy's ability to write about complex international themes for young readers while incorporating his firsthand knowledge of Afghanistan.
Reedy's "Divided We Fall" trilogy explores themes of civil conflict and political division in a near-future America. His other works include "Stealing Air" and "If You're Reading This," which continue to examine themes of military service, family relationships, and coming-of-age challenges.
After completing his MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, Reedy has continued to write while speaking at schools and educational events about his military service and writing career.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Reedy's portrayal of military experiences and YA characters dealing with real-world issues. His books "Words in the Dust" and "Divided We Fall" receive particular attention for their authenticity, drawing from his service in Afghanistan.
What readers liked:
- Accurate military details and terminology
- Complex moral situations without clear answers
- Character development, especially teenage protagonists
- Fast-paced action sequences
- Research and attention to detail
Common criticisms:
- Political themes too heavy-handed for some
- Pacing issues in middle sections
- Some dialogue feels stilted
- Military jargon can overwhelm casual readers
Average ratings:
Goodreads:
Words in the Dust - 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Divided We Fall - 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings)
Amazon:
Words in the Dust - 4.5/5 (90+ reviews)
Divided We Fall - 4.3/5 (80+ reviews)
"Couldn't put it down but wished for less political commentary" - Goodreads reviewer
"Military details ring true from someone who's been there" - Amazon reviewer
📚 Books by Trent Reedy
Words in the Dust
A young Afghan girl with a cleft lip finds hope for her future amid the challenges of war-torn Afghanistan.
Stealing Air Three middle school friends work together to build an experimental airplane while navigating friendship and school dynamics.
If You're Reading This A teenage boy receives letters from his father who was killed in Afghanistan, guiding him through life lessons and challenges.
Divided We Fall In a near-future America, an Idaho National Guard soldier becomes caught in the middle of escalating tensions between state and federal forces.
Burning Nation The second book in the Divided We Fall trilogy follows the descent of America into civil war.
The Last Full Measure The concluding volume of the Divided We Fall trilogy depicts the final stages of America's second civil war.
Gamer Army A group of young gamers discovers their virtual training may have real-world military implications.
Stealing Air Three middle school friends work together to build an experimental airplane while navigating friendship and school dynamics.
If You're Reading This A teenage boy receives letters from his father who was killed in Afghanistan, guiding him through life lessons and challenges.
Divided We Fall In a near-future America, an Idaho National Guard soldier becomes caught in the middle of escalating tensions between state and federal forces.
Burning Nation The second book in the Divided We Fall trilogy follows the descent of America into civil war.
The Last Full Measure The concluding volume of the Divided We Fall trilogy depicts the final stages of America's second civil war.
Gamer Army A group of young gamers discovers their virtual training may have real-world military implications.
👥 Similar authors
Walter Dean Myers writes military and coming-of-age stories for young readers based on personal experience in the armed forces. His books like "Fallen Angels" and "Sunrise Over Fallujah" explore themes of war, duty, and growing up that parallel Reedy's work.
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley focuses on historical fiction and contemporary stories dealing with family dynamics and overcoming adversity. Her works tackle complex international issues and disabilities, similar to themes in "Words in the Dust."
Steve Watkins writes about military families and the impact of war on young people, drawing from extensive research with veterans. His novels like "Down Sand Mountain" and "Juvie" share Reedy's interest in how larger conflicts affect individual lives.
Chris Lynch creates military-themed young adult fiction exploring service, sacrifice, and coming of age during wartime. His "Vietnam" series and other works examine similar themes to Reedy's about young people confronting war and its aftermath.
Paolo Bacigalupi writes near-future novels dealing with political division and societal collapse in America. His work shares themes with Reedy's "Divided We Fall" trilogy about how contemporary conflicts could evolve into future crises.
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley focuses on historical fiction and contemporary stories dealing with family dynamics and overcoming adversity. Her works tackle complex international issues and disabilities, similar to themes in "Words in the Dust."
Steve Watkins writes about military families and the impact of war on young people, drawing from extensive research with veterans. His novels like "Down Sand Mountain" and "Juvie" share Reedy's interest in how larger conflicts affect individual lives.
Chris Lynch creates military-themed young adult fiction exploring service, sacrifice, and coming of age during wartime. His "Vietnam" series and other works examine similar themes to Reedy's about young people confronting war and its aftermath.
Paolo Bacigalupi writes near-future novels dealing with political division and societal collapse in America. His work shares themes with Reedy's "Divided We Fall" trilogy about how contemporary conflicts could evolve into future crises.