Lauren Tarshis is the author of more than 40 books for children, including the New York Times and USA Today bestselling I Survived series, with more than 60 million copies in print. The ever-growing series includes 26 chapter books and 15 graphic novel adaptations, with editions published in 14 languages.

The I Survived books have been widely praised for their meticulous research, gripping storytelling, and power to engage even the most reluctant readers, Lauren’s research adventures have taken her around the world, from the battlefields of the American Revolution to the wilds of Botswana, from the shores of Normandy to the ruins of Pompeii.

Lauren was (and still is) a struggling reader, an experience that has shaped her career.  Whether she’s writing about a world-changing moment in history or creating stories and magazines for classrooms, Lauren’s goal has always been the same: to help all readers feel the joy and excitement of being captivated by a story — and inspired to learn more.

In spring 2027, Lauren will launch I Survived: True Survivors, a new series of illustrated narrative nonfiction books featuring real kids who have experienced world-changing events. that She is also the author of the award-winning middle-grade novels Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree and Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love, and the picture book Only My Dog Knows.

Beyond her books, Lauren has spent more than three decades at Scholastic, creating award-winning articles, videos, and classroom resources that have reached millions of children. She was the longtime editor of Storyworks magazine and later served as Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Scholastic Magazines+, overseeing 32 classroom magazines and digital resources. Today, she serves as Senior Vice President and Editor-at-Large at Scholastic, continuing her work in support of young readers, educators, and families.

Lauren is a frequent speaker at schools, conferences, and literary festivals. She has appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and NPR, and has been featured in The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and many other media outlets.

Of all of her accomplishments, her proudest are when kids tell her that her books inspired them to want to read.