In fiction, I think Madeline Miller deserves special recognition. Her novels Circe and The Song of Achilles are breathtaking examples of myth retold with modern emotional depth. She weaves classical storytelling with such intimacy that her characters feel alive in a way few authors achieve.
If I had to highlight one fiction storyteller whose work stands out as truly compelling, it would be Percival Everett. His novel James reimagines Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim's perspective, bringing both intelligence and emotional depth to a classic narrative. It's not only inventive—it's transformative, addressing themes of identity, power, and humanity in a way that resonates long after the last page. What makes Everett's storytelling so remarkable is his ability to reframe a familiar story with empathy and insight, creating a narrative that challenges readers while remaining profoundly engaging. His work has earned significant literary recognition, including the National Book Award, which speaks to its lasting impact in the field. Everett is a reminder that the power of storytelling lies not only in plot, but in perspective, voice, and the courage to ask readers to see the world differently.
Radical Ray — by Bobbi Chegwyn Radical Ray is a children's chapter-book series that helps kids build emotional smarts before the teen years hit. The stories are rooted in my own family history; Ray is named after my dad, Grandma Leila after my mum, Shirl after my grandmother, and they all live in the real Banksia Street home in Botany where my dad grew up. The series actually began years later, when I found myself as a new Aussie in the US, driving a yellow school bus. I created "The Kind Bus" to connect with kids in my new community, and what I saw on those rides inspired me to write stories that teach resilience, kindness, and Radical Love through humor and heart. You can meet Radical Ray and the Roxby family at: www.meetradicalray.com.