📖 Overview
Stephen Manes is an American author, journalist, and screenwriter who has built a diverse career spanning technology journalism, children's literature, and narrative nonfiction. His work includes the critically noted book "Where Snowflakes Dance and Swear: Inside the Land of Ballet" (2011), which provided an in-depth look at the inner workings of a professional ballet company.
As a technology journalist, Manes established himself as an influential voice through his "Digital Tools" column in Forbes and the "Full Disclosure" column in PC World. He served as a columnist for The New York Times' Science Times section and contributed to numerous technology publications, earning recognition as one of the computer industry's most influential writers.
His work in children's literature includes multiple young adult novels and the "Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days!" series. Manes also demonstrated his versatility as a writer by co-authoring "Gates: How Microsoft's Mogul Reinvented an Industry and Made Himself the Richest Man in America" with Paul Andrews.
Throughout his career, Manes has balanced his technology coverage with broader cultural writing, including screenwriting credits and contributions to various national publications. His educational background in cinema from the University of Southern California has informed his multifaceted approach to writing and media creation.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Manes' ability to write for different age groups and his clear explanations of complex topics. His tech journalism receives praise for making technical concepts accessible without oversimplifying.
Readers liked:
- Humor in children's books, particularly "Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days!"
- Detailed research in "Where Snowflakes Dance and Swear"
- Balanced reporting in technology columns
- Clear writing style in PC World articles
Readers disliked:
- Some found the Gates biography too technical for casual readers
- Length and detail level in "Where Snowflakes Dance" deterred some readers
- Early children's books feel dated to current young readers
Ratings across platforms:
- "Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days!" averages 4.2/5 on Goodreads (300+ ratings)
- "Where Snowflakes Dance and Swear" - 4.5/5 on Amazon (50+ ratings)
- "Gates" biography - 3.8/5 on Goodreads (200+ ratings)
One reader noted: "His tech columns explained things my grandmother could understand." Another commented: "Perfect Person remains funny decades later."
📚 Books by Stephen Manes
Chicken Trek
A young adult novel about a teen who takes on the challenge of eating nothing but fast-food chicken for a week to win a contest.
Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days! A humorous children's book following a boy who discovers a library book claiming it can teach perfection in three days.
Gates: How Microsoft's Mogul Reinvented an Industry A detailed biography of Bill Gates co-authored with Paul Andrews, chronicling the rise of Microsoft and its founder.
Where Snowflakes Dance and Swear: Inside the Land of Ballet A non-fiction work providing a year-long examination of Pacific Northwest Ballet, documenting the daily operations of a major ballet company.
Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days! A humorous children's book following a boy who discovers a library book claiming it can teach perfection in three days.
Gates: How Microsoft's Mogul Reinvented an Industry A detailed biography of Bill Gates co-authored with Paul Andrews, chronicling the rise of Microsoft and its founder.
Where Snowflakes Dance and Swear: Inside the Land of Ballet A non-fiction work providing a year-long examination of Pacific Northwest Ballet, documenting the daily operations of a major ballet company.
👥 Similar authors
Gordon Korman writes stories that blend humor with relatable school situations and complex characters. His extensive bibliography includes both standalone novels and series, covering similar age ranges and combining comedy with genuine emotional depth like Manes.
Bruce Coville creates works that mix everyday life with fantastical elements and often incorporate humor into the narrative. His style shares Manes' understanding of younger readers while delivering stories that embrace both comedy and meaningful themes.
Daniel Pinkwater produces unconventional children's literature that combines wit with absurdist situations. His work parallels Manes' ability to craft narratives that entertain while challenging young readers' expectations.
Jon Scieszka writes with a distinctive comedic voice that appeals to reluctant readers through humor and accessibility. His approach to children's literature mirrors Manes' talent for creating engaging narratives that connect with young audiences.
Paul Zindel crafts stories that balance humor with more serious themes in young adult literature. His work demonstrates a similar understanding of younger readers while addressing complex topics in an accessible way.
Bruce Coville creates works that mix everyday life with fantastical elements and often incorporate humor into the narrative. His style shares Manes' understanding of younger readers while delivering stories that embrace both comedy and meaningful themes.
Daniel Pinkwater produces unconventional children's literature that combines wit with absurdist situations. His work parallels Manes' ability to craft narratives that entertain while challenging young readers' expectations.
Jon Scieszka writes with a distinctive comedic voice that appeals to reluctant readers through humor and accessibility. His approach to children's literature mirrors Manes' talent for creating engaging narratives that connect with young audiences.
Paul Zindel crafts stories that balance humor with more serious themes in young adult literature. His work demonstrates a similar understanding of younger readers while addressing complex topics in an accessible way.