Have you heard of these Great Michigan Authors?
I’m a bit of a book lover. Really – I am always reading! But, while people know of a few authors who loved Michigan, there are plenty of great Michigan authors that I’d love to make sure YOU knew about. Don’t be afraid to support a Michigan author! This post contains some affiliate links as well.
Do you love a good book? Do you love Michigan? Here is a list of great Michigan authors.
A small list of Michigan Authors
Here is a list of some past Michigan Authors
- Jonathan Rand – author of Michigan Chillers books
- Terry McMillan – Ever wonder how Stella Got her Groove Back? This Michigan-born author tells you that and a lot more in her novels.
- Chris vanAlsberg – Caldecott Winner for Polar Express, Van Allsburg has written and illustrated about twenty books. His art has also been featured on the covers of an edition of C. S. Lewis’s series The Chronicles of Narnia,
- Arthur Miller – playwright and University of Michigan Alum, Miller is best known for his work like The Crucible, and earned himself two Emmy awards and three Tony Awards for his plays.
- Jim Harrison – hello, Legends of the Fall anyone? Among other novels he has also written the True North and The Great Leader.
- Mitch Albom – He is probably best known for his book, Tuesdays With Morrie, but he also writes for the Detroit newspapers and has additional novels.
- Christopher Paul Curtis – his best selling books include Bud, Not Buddy, which won a Newbery Medal and is a Coretta Scott King Award-winning classic, and The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963.
Here’s a list of some new Michigan authors you should check out, they may not be well-known, yet, but they’re worth taking a look at!
- Max Apple – He wrote novels, but is probably better known for writing the scripts for The Air Up There starring Kevin Bacon and Roommates (based on his 1994 biography Roommates: My Grandfather’s Story).
- Saladin Ahmed – who wrote Throne of the Crescent Moon was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel and won the Locus Award for Best First Novel
- James Oliver Curwood – wrote books like The Rivers End (free on Kindle!)
Bonus! A few books about specific Michigan areas
- A great kid’s book: M is For Mitten by Annie Appleford
- Written by a former teacher, Y is for Yooper is a cute little book that’s special for those Yoopers, Yooper-transplants and those who just love unique writing
When it comes to Michigan – there’s plenty to learn, plenty to know! These are just a few great books by Michigan authors to get you started on your reading list!
I know a few of the authors’ names, but I did not know they were located in Michigan. I love THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA!! It is one of my favorite books & movie.
I haven’t, but then again – I don’t read. I bet my husband is familiar with some of these authors, though 🙂 He loves to read.
I’ve never thought of authors by location except for those I know locally here in Maryland. I do remember Mitch Albom as based in Detroit but I had no idea the Chronicles of Narnia featured a Michigan area!
I love Terry McMillion! I have read every single one of her books
I’m not much of a reader, but what a great resource!
I am always looking for new authors to read!! These authors sound great, makes me wonder how many come from my state.
Hi Audrey, I did find it interesting to look to see which authors have a good Michigan connection
!
About the only book I have read is The Crucible by Arthur Miller–and oh what a book that was!! I had no idea he was from Michigan. I will be sure to take a look at some of the other Michigan authors.
I don’t read a lot but I’ve read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. These are a great lineup of Michigan authors/reads!
So much talent in Michigan! I need to try some of these books this summer.
I sure have heard of and read their books. Great selection there!
What a fun list 🙂 I’ve been in a few reading challenges which have asked me to read a book written by a local author. I’ll need to keep this post in mind! Thanks for sharing.
Ok, so, #1, I didn’t realize Terry McMillan was from Michigan! How cool is that! I’m definitely going to check out Jonathan Rand. Sounds like my kind of genre!
I didn’t know that Terry McMillan was from Michigan. I love Mitch Albom.