A storyteller of wonder.
Tom McGowen was an acclaimed American author whose imaginative storytelling and passion for learning inspired generations of young readers. Born in Evanston, Illinois, and raised in the Chicago area, McGowen developed an early fascination with history, science and adventure that would later shape his writing career.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, an experience that influenced many of his later nonfiction works and deepened his interest in making history accessible and meaningful for young audiences.
Before becoming a full time writer, McGowen worked in advertising and later joined World Book, Inc. as a senior editor in 1969. Over the course of his distinguished career, he authored more than forty books for children and young adults, ranging from fantasy and adventure stories to science, history and educational nonfiction.
His writing was celebrated for combining creativity, humor and wonder with a genuine respect for young readers' intelligence and curiosity.
- Children's Reading Round Table Award for Outstanding Contribution to Juvenile Literature, 1990.
- Honors from the National Science Teachers Association and the Children's Book Council.
- Radioactivity: From the Curies to the Atomic Age named an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children.
Whether writing about ancient civilizations, scientific discoveries, mythical adventures or unlikely heroes, Tom McGowen had a unique gift for turning knowledge into adventure.