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Chris Barton (author)

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Chris Barton
Barton at the 2023 Texas Book Festival
Barton at the 2023 Texas Book Festival
OccupationAuthor of children's books
NationalityAmerican
Alma materUniversity of Texas at Austin
SpouseJennifer Ziegler
Children4
Website
chrisbarton.info

Chris Barton is an American author of children's books. His books has been included on numerous lists citing the best children's books of the year.

Biography

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Barton grew up in Sulphur Springs, Texas, with his parents and older brother, though his father died when Barton was eight years old.[1][2] Both of his parents, as well as his mother's parents had also grown up in Sulphur Springs.[3]

In 1993, he graduated from the University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a degree in history.[4][2] During his time at UT, he wrote for The Daily Texan.[1][4]

In 2014, Barton pitched the idea of the Modern First Library (MFL) to BookPeople, an independent bookstore in Austin, which they followed up on.[3] MFL "builds on book shoppers' inclination to buy a kid a "classic" picture book and leads them to also buy a new picture book that's more reflective of the modern, diverse society that those kids are growing up in."[3]

Barton currently lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Jennifer Ziegler.[5][6] Together, they have four adult children.[7]

Awards and honors

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Eight of Barton's books are Junior Library Guild selections: Shark vs. Train (2010),[8] Can I See Your I.D.? (2011),[9] That's Not Bunny! (2016),[10] Whoosh! English and Spanish editions (2016/2019),[11][12] Dazzle Ships (2017),[13] All of a Sudden and Forever (2020),[14] and How to Make a Book (2021).[15]

Barton's books have frequently landed on lists of the year's best books.

In 2009, The Day Glo Brothers was named one of the best children's books of the year by Publishers Weekly,[16] School Library Journal,[17] and The Washington Post.[18]

Shark vs. Train was a New York Times bestseller.[19] Barnes & Noble,[20] Kirkus Reviews,[21] Parents,[22] Publishers Weekly,[23] School Library Journal,[24] and The Washington Post[25] named it one of the best children's books of 2010. In 2011, Bank Street College of Education named it one of the best books for children ages five to nine.[26]

In 2016, Whoosh! was named one of the best picture books of the year by the American Booksellers Association,[27] Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature,[28] and Kirkus Reviews.[29] The Chicago Public Library[30] and the New York Public Library[31] named it one of the year's best informational books for children.

In 2017, Bank Street College of Education included 88 Instruments and Whoosh! in their list of the best books of the year for children ages five to nine.[32] They stated Whoosh! is a book of "outstanding merit."[32] The National Science Teaching Association included Whoosh! on their list of the best STEM books of the year.[33]

The same year, the Chicago Public Library named Dazzle Ships one of the year's best informational books for younger readers,[34] and the New York Public Library included it on their list of the best books of the year for kids.[35]

In 2018, What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? was named one of the best children's books of the year by Kirkus Reviews,[36] and the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education.[37] The following year, the Bank Street College of Education ranked it as a book of outstanding merit,[38] and Booklist included it on their "Top 10 Biographies for Youth" list.[39]

In 2022, School Library Journal named Moving Forward one of the best nonfiction children's books of year.[40]

Awards for Barton's writing
Year Title Award Result Ref.
2009 The Day-Glo Brothers Cybils Award for Nonfiction Picture Book Winner [41]
2010 The Day-Glo Brothers ALSC Notable Children's Books Selection [42][43]
2010 The Day-Glo Brothers Sibert Medal Honor [44][45]
2010 Shark vs. Train Cybils Award for Fiction Picture Book Finalist [46]
2011 Shark vs. Train Children's Choice Book Award: Kindergarten to Second Grade Finalist [47][48]
2012 Can I See Your I.D.? Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Selection [9][49]
2012 Can I See Your I.D.? YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction Nominee [50]
2016 The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch NCSS Carter G. Woodson Book Award: Elementary Winner [51]
2017 Dazzle Ships Cybils Award for Elementary Nonfiction Finalist [52]
2017 Whoosh! Children's and Teen Choice Book Award: Third to Fourth Grade Finalist [53]
2018 Dazzle Ships ALSC Notable Children's Books Selection [54]
2018 Dazzle Ships NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Honor [55]
2018 What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth Selection [56]
2018 What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? Cybils Award for Elementary Nonfiction Finalist [57]
2019 What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? ALSC Notable Children's Books Selection [58][59][60]
2019 What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Recommended [55]
2019 Whoosh! Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award Winner [61]
2020 What Do You Do With a Voice Like That? Rise: A Feminist Book Project Top 10 [62][63]

Publications

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Anthology contributions

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  • "Go to College After High School" in Break These Rules, edited by Luke Reynolds (2013)
  • “Two-a-Days” in One Death, Nine Stories, edited by Marc Aronson and Charles R. Smith Jr. (2014)
  • "What Will You Do with a Gift Like Yours?" in Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep, edited by Melissa Stewart (2020)

Fiction

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Standalone books

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  • Shark vs. Train, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (2010)
  • 88 Instruments, illustrated by Louis Thomas (2016)
  • That's Not Bunny!, illustrated by Colin Jack (2016)
  • Book or Bell?, illustrated by Ashley Spires (2017)
  • Fire Truck vs. Dragon, illustrated by Shanda McCloskey (2020)

Mighty Truck series

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The Mighty Truck series is illustrated by Troy Cummings.

  • Muddymania! (2017)
  • On the Farm (2018)
  • The Traffic Tie-Up (2018)
  • Zip and Beep (2018)
  • Surf's Up! (2019)

Nonfiction

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  • The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors, illustrated by Tony Persiani (2009)
  • Can I See Your I.D.?: True Stories of False Identities, Illustrations by Paul Hoppe (2011)
  • Attack! Boss! Cheat Code!: A Gamer's Alphabet, illustrated by Joey Spiotto (2014)
  • The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch, illustrated by Don Tate (2015)
  • 'The Nutcracker' Comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition, illustrated by Cathy Gendron (2015)
  • Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions, illustrated by Don Tate (2016)
    • Spanish edition: ¡Fushhh!: El chorro del inventos súper-húmedos de Lonnie Johnson
  • Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion, illustrated by Victo Ngai (2017)
  • What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?: The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, illustrated by Ekua Holmes (2018)
  • All of a Sudden and Forever: Help and Healing After the Oklahoma City Bombing, illustrated by Nicole Xu (2020)
  • How to Make a Book (About My Dog), illustrated by Sarah Horne (2021)
  • Sister, Brother, Family: An American Childhood in Music, co-written with Willie Nelson and Bobbie Nelson, illustrated by Kyung Eun Han (2021)
  • Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates, illustrated by Steffi Walthall (2022)
  • Glitter Everywhere!: Where It Came From, Where It's Found & Where It's Going, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat (2023)

References

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  1. ^ a b Copelin, Daisy. "Chris Barton". African American Literature Book Club. Archived from the original on 2022-11-27. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  2. ^ a b Mannarino, James (2018-05-05). "Best-selling children's author to visit New Market, Deer Crossing Elementary Schools". The Frederick News-Post. Archived from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  3. ^ a b c "Texas: Austin | Member Interview: Chris Barton". Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Archived from the original on 2022-05-20. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  4. ^ a b Shay, Macey (2014-04-18). "Q&A with Chris Barton". Life and Letters. University of Texas at Austin. Archived from the original on 2022-12-05. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  5. ^ "Chris Barton". Simon & Schuster. Archived from the original on 2022-07-07. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  6. ^ Barton, Chris (2022-05-05). "Soapbox: Showing Up and Moving Forward". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on 2022-12-01. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  7. ^ "About Me". Bartography. 2020-01-16. Archived from the original on 2022-12-09. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  8. ^ "Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton". Junior Library Guild. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  9. ^ a b "Can I See Your I.D.? True Stories of False Identities by Chris Barton". Junior Library Guild. Archived from the original on 2022-05-16. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  10. ^ "That's Not Bunny! by Chris Barton". Junior Library Guild. Archived from the original on 2022-08-11. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  11. ^ "Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions by Chris Barton". Junior Library Guild. Archived from the original on 2022-07-02. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  12. ^ "¡FUSHHH!: El chorro de inventos súper húmedos de Lonnie Johnson (Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super- Soaking Stream of Inventions) by Chris Barton". Junior Library Guild. Archived from the original on 2022-07-02. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  13. ^ "Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion by Chris Barton". Junior Library Guild. Archived from the original on 2021-03-01. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  14. ^ "All of a Sudden and Forever: Help and Healing after the Oklahoma City Bombing by Chris Barton". Junior Library Guild. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  15. ^ "How to Make a Book (About My Dog) by Chris Barton". Junior Library Guild. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  16. ^ "Best Children's Books of 2009". Publishers Weekly. 2009-11-02. Archived from the original on 2022-12-09. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  17. ^ Jones, Trevelyn; Toth, Luann; Charnizon, Marlene; Grabarek, Daryl; Fleishhacker, Joy (2009-12-01). "Best Books 2009". School Library Journal. Archived from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  18. ^ "The Best Kid's Books of 2009". The Washington Post. 2009-12-13. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on 2019-10-02. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  19. ^ "Shark vs. Train". Bartography. 2020-01-27. Archived from the original on 2022-10-01. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  20. ^ "Best Books of the Year 2010, Best Books of the Year, Books". Barnes & Noble. Archived from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  21. ^ "2010 Best Children's Books: The Complete List". Kirkus Reviews. Archived from the original on 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  22. ^ "The 20 Best Children's Books of 2010". Parents. Archived from the original on 2011-11-10. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  23. ^ "PW's Best Children's Books 2010". Publishers Weekly. 2010-11-08. Archived from the original on 2023-02-03. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  24. ^ Jones, Trevelyn; Toth, Luann; Charnizon, Marlene; Grabarek, Daryl; Fleishhacker, Joy (2010-12-01). "Best Books 2010". School Library Journal. Archived from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  25. ^ "Washington Post Best Books of 2010, Best Books of the Year 2010, Books". Barnes & Noble. Archived from the original on 2020-06-19. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  26. ^ "Five to Nine" (PDF). Bank Street College of Education. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-08-13. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  27. ^ "ABC Best Books Titles Revealed: Catalog Order Deadline Extended". American Booksellers Association. 2016-08-30. Archived from the original on 2023-01-21. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  28. ^ "Best Books 2016". Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature. Archived from the original on 2022-03-31. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  29. ^ "Best Informational Picture Books of 2016". Kirkus Reviews. Archived from the original on 2022-10-05. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  30. ^ "Best Informational Books for Younger Readers of 2016". Chicago Public Library. Archived from the original on 2021-08-03. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  31. ^ "New York Public Library Reveals its List of Best Books for Kids and Teens Just in Time for The Holidays". The New York Public Library. 2016-11-23. Archived from the original on 2022-11-30. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  32. ^ a b "Best Children's Books of the Year, Five to Nine, 2017 Edition" (PDF). Bank Street College of Education. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-12-24. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  33. ^ "Best STEM Books 2017" (PDF). National Science Teaching Association. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-03-08. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  34. ^ "Best Informational Books for Younger Readers of 2017". Chicago Public Library. Archived from the original on 2021-11-06. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  35. ^ "New York Public Library Announces Its Best Books of 2017 for Kids and Teens". The New York Public Library. 2017-11-20. Archived from the original on 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  36. ^ "Best Picture Books of 2018 for Encouraging K…". Kirkus Reviews. Archived from the original on 2022-05-22. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  37. ^ "The Best Books of 2018 for Young Readers". Penn Graduate School of Education. 2018-12-13. Archived from the original on 2022-06-28. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  38. ^ "Best Children's Books of the Year, Nine to Twelve, 2019 Edition" (PDF). Bank Street College of Education. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-04-10. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  39. ^ Khuri, Ronny (2019-06-01). "Top 10 Biographies for Youth: 2019". Booklist. Archived from the original on 2022-02-01. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  40. ^ Abdul, Alicia; Bilton, Karen; Buffi, Lisa; Diaz, Shelley M.; Fakih, Kimberly; Ha, Vi; Hassett, Bob; Kingrey-Edwards, Kelly; Mastrull, Amanda; Paige Pagan; Ashleigh Williams (2022-11-21). "Best Nonfiction 2022 | SLJ Best Books". School Library Journal. Archived from the original on 2023-04-05. Retrieved 2023-04-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  41. ^ "2009 Cybils Winners". Archived from the original on 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2023-03-21.
  42. ^ "The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors | Awards & Grants". American Library Association. 2010-01-27. Archived from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  43. ^ Schulte-Cooper, Laura (2010-03-09). "ALSC announces 2010 Notable Children's Books". American Library Association. Archived from the original on 2020-11-27. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  44. ^ Morales, Macey; Petersen, Jennifer (2010-01-18). "Tanya Lee Stone wins 2010 Sibert Medal". American Library Association. Archived from the original on 2022-01-26. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  45. ^ "Rebecca Stead Wins Newbery; Jerry Pinkney Wins Caldecott". Shelf Awareness. 2010-01-19. Archived from the original on 2022-10-06. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  46. ^ "2010 Cybils Finalists". Archived from the original on 2023-03-22. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  47. ^ "2011 Winners and Finalists". Children's Book Council. Archived from the original on 2022-09-26. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  48. ^ "Awards: PEN/Faulkner Fiction; Orange Prize; Children's Choice". Shelf Awareness. 2011-03-16. Archived from the original on 2023-03-07. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  49. ^ "2012 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). American Library Association. 2012-01-25. Archived from the original on 2022-10-02. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  50. ^ "2012 Nonfiction Award Nominations". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). American Library Association. 2012-01-30. Archived from the original on 2022-09-26. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  51. ^ "Carter G. Woodson Book Award and Honor Winners". National Council for the Social Studies. Archived from the original on 2019-04-27. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  52. ^ "2017 Cybils Finalists". Children's and Young Adult Book Lover's Literary Awards. Archived from the original on 2023-03-25. Retrieved 2023-03-25.
  53. ^ Kantor, Emma (2017-03-02). "2017 Children's and Teen Choice Book Awards Finalists Announced". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on 2022-08-14. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  54. ^ Schulte-Cooper, Laura (2018-04-12). "ALSC names 2018 Notable Children's Books". American Library Association. Archived from the original on 2022-01-09. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  55. ^ a b "NCTE Orbis Pictus Award® Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Past Winners 2015-Present" (PDF). National Council of Teachers of English. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-03-16. Retrieved 2023-04-11.
  56. ^ "Booklist Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2018". Booklist. 2019-01-01. Archived from the original on 2022-01-07. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  57. ^ "2018 Cybils Finalists". Children's and Young Adult Book Lover's Literary Awards. Archived from the original on 2023-03-25. Retrieved 2023-03-25.
  58. ^ "2019 Notable Children's Books". Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). American Library Association. 2019-12-27. Archived from the original on 2023-03-04. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  59. ^ Schulte-Cooper, Laura (2019-02-25). "ALSC names 2019 Notable Children's Books". American Library Association. Archived from the original on 2022-09-28. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  60. ^ "Notable Children's Books: 2019". Booklist. 2019-03-15. Archived from the original on 2021-10-29. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  61. ^ "BCCCA Past Winners". Oregon Library Association. Archived from the original on 2019-05-11. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  62. ^ Jarnagin, Briana (2020-01-28). "2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project committee introduces new name and top ten feminist books for young readers". American Library Association. Archived from the original on 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
  63. ^ "Rise: A Feminist Book Project: 2020". Booklist. 2020-03-15. Archived from the original on 2023-04-08. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
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