Bio

A.J. Irving grew up in Boise, Idaho, writing stories and daydreaming about becoming an author. Now, she writes picture books and poetry beneath an old elm tree in Salt Lake City. A.J. is the critically acclaimed author of Dance Like a Leaf, The Wishing Flower, and The Bi Book (Knopf BFYR, summer 2025).

As a children’s author and former bookmobile librarian, A.J. is passionate about inspiring kids to love books. When she’s not reading, writing, or dancing, she enjoys exploring Utah with her husband, two children, and their English bulldogs. A.J. is represented by Jordan Hamessley of JABberwocky Literary Agency.

More about AJ:

  • Favorite color: green
  • Favorite animal: elephant
  • Favorite food: street tacos
  • Favorite sport: fastpitch softball
  • Favorite board game: Settlers of Catan
  • Favorite childhood book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond
  • Favorite saying: Dream BIG!

AJ’s wish list:

  • Visit a lighthouse
  • Go whale watching
  • Snorkel with sea turtles
  • See the Northern Lights
  • Hike Machu Picchu (My family almost moved to Peru!)
  • Inspire my readers to be creators
  • Receive letters and art from you!

What do you wish for?