Children’s book author and literacy advocate Greg Soros believes that the best stories for young readers come from understanding the world through their eyes. “Children’s books should serve as both mirrors and windows,” he says, “helping young readers see themselves reflected in stories while opening their minds to different perspectives and experiences.”
Soros released his latest work in “The Kindness Chronicles” series this year, continuing his mission to create diverse characters who navigate friendship, empathy, and community involvement. The series builds on the success of his 2013 bestseller “The Worry Box,” a gentle story about a young boy learning to manage anxiety with his grandmother’s wisdom. The book has become a staple in elementary schools and therapy practices nationwide, demonstrating Soros’s unique ability to tackle complex emotional concepts through accessible, age-appropriate narratives.
The Asheville, North Carolina-based author, who holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, has published 18 books that have sold millions of copies worldwide. His 2018 picture book “Different Kinds of Brave” earned the Schneider Family Book Award for its sensitive portrayal of a young girl with autism discovering her unique strengths.
For author Greg Soros, whose background includes coursework in child development and educational psychology, says his research process is as important as his writing. He regularly visits schools, consults with child development experts, and works with sensitivity readers to ensure authentic representation. “Every children’s book carries the responsibility to contribute positively to a young person’s emotional and social development,” he explains.
Beyond writing, Soros serves on the board of Reading is Fundamental and has donated books through his “Stories for All” initiative. Living with his wife Marianne, a children’s librarian, and their two adopted children, Luna and Diego, Soros finds that family life often inspires his storytelling. He’s currently developing a middle-grade novel series addressing contemporary issues like climate change and digital citizenship, proving that children’s literature can tackle today’s most pressing topics with both heart and hope.
