Neal Shusterman

Neal Shusterman (born November 12, 1962) is an American writer of young adult fiction. He won the 2015 National Book Award for Young People's Literature for his book Challenger Deep and his novel, Scythe, was a 2017 Michael L. Printz Honor book. He won the Margaret Edwards Award in 2024 "honoring his significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens." The New York Times bestselling author has written over fifty award-winning books exploring provocative themes through dystopian and speculative fiction.

Shusterman was born on November 12, 1962, and raised in Brooklyn, New York City. His family is Jewish. From a young age, Shusterman was an avid reader. At the age of 16, Shusterman and his family moved to Mexico City. He finished high school there at the American School Foundation and is quoted as saying that "Having an international experience changed my life, giving me a fresh perspective on the world, and a sense of confidence I might not have otherwise." He attended the University of California, Irvine, where he double-majored in psychology and theater, and was also on the varsity swim team. His degrees in psychology and drama provide a unique lens for crafting emotionally complex characters facing impossible moral choices.

His novel, Unwind, has become part of the literary canon in many school districts across the country - and has won more than thirty domestic and international awards. The Unwind Dystology explores organ harvesting of teenagers, while the Arc of a Scythe series examines mortality in a world where death has been conquered. Challenger Deep draws from Shusterman's son's struggle with schizophrenia, earning praise for its sensitive portrayal of mental illness. Co-written novels with his children - including Dry and Roxy with son Jarrod - explore climate collapse and opioid addiction with unflinching honesty.

Unwind has won more than 30 awards and is in development with Constantin Film as a television series. In 2016, it was announced that his novel Scythe is in development with Universal as a feature film. Challenger Deep was acquired by Disney+ in 2019. Beyond novels, Shusterman has written for Disney Channel, Goosebumps, and Animorphs, demonstrating versatility across media. He's earned a reputation as a dynamic speaker in constant demand at schools and conferences.

He won the 2019 Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis, chosen by the youth jury, demonstrating international acclaim. Critics consistently praise his ability to tackle uncomfortable topics - from "unwinding" teens to ethical killing to mental illness - with sensitivity and entertainment. Living in Southern California with his four children who inspire his work, Shusterman continues crafting stories that challenge readers to examine morality, humanity, and what it means to make impossible choices in imperfect worlds.