Tommy Greenwald

Tommy Greenwald is an American children's book author best known for his middle-grade series "Charlie Joe Jackson," which follows a reluctant reader who attempts to get through school while reading as little as possible. Prior to his writing career, Greenwald worked in advertising and wrote musical theater productions. His first book "Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading" was published in 2011 and spawned several sequels in the series. Greenwald has also written other middle-grade series including "Crimebiters!" and "Game Face." His book "Game Changer" received recognition for addressing serious themes around sports injuries and competition in youth athletics. The author frequently visits schools and libraries to discuss reading, writing, and creativity with young readers. His work often incorporates humor while exploring themes relevant to middle school students, including friendship, family dynamics, and finding one's identity.

Readers connect with Greenwald's authentic portrayal of reluctant readers and middle school experiences. Parents and teachers report his books engage students who typically avoid reading. What readers liked: - Humor that appeals to both children and adults - Relatable characters who feel like real middle schoolers - Short chapters and visual elements that make books accessible - Addresses serious topics without being preachy - "Game Changer" praised for realistic treatment of sports culture What readers disliked: - Some found Charlie Joe Jackson too flippant about education - Later books in series seen as repetitive - Some parents concerned about characters' attitudes toward authority Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: Charlie Joe Jackson series averages 4.0/5 from 15,000+ ratings - Amazon: Most titles maintain 4.5/5 stars - School Library Journal reviews consistently positive Notable reader comment: "Finally found books my son willingly reads. The humor hooks him while sneaking in good messages." - Amazon reviewer

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading - A middle-grade novel about a boy who will do anything to avoid reading books.

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Extra Credit - Charlie Joe attempts to improve his grades through various schemes and extra credit projects.

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Summer Vacation - Charlie Joe spends his summer at an academic camp he desperately wants to escape.

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Making Money - Charlie Joe pursues various money-making ventures with unexpected complications.

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Planet Girl - Charlie Joe navigates the complexities of middle school romance and relationships.

Jack Strong Takes a Stand - A student protests his overscheduled life by refusing to get off the couch.

Game Face - A story about the pressures of youth sports told from multiple perspectives.

Katie Friedman Gives Up Texting - A middle schooler attempts to convince her friends to stop texting for a week.

Crimebiters! My Dog is Better Than Your Dog - A boy becomes convinced his new dog is a crime-fighting vampire.

The Real Us - Three middle school students deal with appearance, popularity, and self-image during the last two weeks of summer.

Jeff Kinney writes illustrated novels about middle school life with humor and misadventures, similar to Greenwald's style in the Charlie Joe Jackson series. His Diary of a Wimpy Kid books feature reluctant readers and everyday school situations.

Gordon Korman creates stories about kids facing school challenges and family dynamics. His books incorporate similar themes of friendship and self-discovery found in Greenwald's work.

Dan Gutman focuses on sports-themed stories and school tales that blend humor with realistic situations. His My Weird School series and baseball books share Greenwald's approach to mixing entertainment with relatable experiences.

Stuart Gibbs writes mystery and adventure stories featuring young protagonists in unique situations. His Spy School series contains the same mix of humor and action that appears in Greenwald's work.

James Patterson produces middle-grade novels about school life and family relationships in his Middle School series. His books feature illustrations and first-person narration similar to Greenwald's storytelling format.