Brimner, Larry Dane

Growing up in the relative isolation of Kodiak Island, Alaska, gave Larry a strong interest in reading and creative writing early in life. During his twenty-year teaching career, he began to write for publication, and he feels that his teaching experience gave him a unique ability to write nonfiction. After the success of his first children's book, BMX Freestyle (Watts, 1987), an International Reading Association Children's Choice, Larry has gone on to write more than ninety-five books for young people.The authenticity of his books comes partly from his willingness to immerse himself in his subject matter. For his nonfiction sports book Snowboarding (Watts, 1998), Larry's research included zipping downhill on a snowboard. One of his most recent books, The Littlest Wolf (HarperCollins), won the Gold Oppenheim Award for best book of 2002. Larry holds a B.A. in British literature from San Diego State University, and advanced degrees in writing and curriculum development.