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M. T. Anderson

エム・ティー・アンダーソン

M. T. Anderson

Pen Names: M. T. Anderson（Published name / pen name used for books）

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1968-11-04 （Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.）
Nationality
United States
Languages
English
Residence History
Stow, Massachusetts (grew up) → Cambridge, Massachusetts (current residence)

Career

Occupations
Author, Children's and young adult writer
Active Years
1997-
Affiliations
Candlewick Press (former employee), Vermont College of Fine Arts (instructor; board member), National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance (board member)
Memberships
National Children's Book and Literacy Alliance (board member), Vermont College of Fine Arts (board member / instructor)

Education

St. Mark's School
Country: United States
Prep / secondary school
Harvard College
Country: United States
Undergraduate studies (details not specified)
University of Cambridge
Country: England
Studied in England (details not specified)
Syracuse University
Country: United States
Graduate studies or further education (details not specified)

Awards

National Book Award (Young People's Literature)
2006
Work: The Pox Party (The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Volume I)
Category: Young People's Literature
Organization: National Book Foundation
Result: Winner
Margaret Edwards Award
2019
Work: Feed; The Pox Party; The Kingdom on the Waves
Organization: American Library Association (ALA)
Result: Winner
Michael L. Printz Award
2024
Work: The Collectors: Stories
Organization: American Library Association (YALSA)
Result: Winner
Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (Honor Book)
2002
Work: Handel, Who Knew What He Liked
Organization: The Boston Globe / The Horn Book
Result: Honor Book
National Book Award (Finalist)
2002
Work: Feed
Category: Young People's Literature
Organization: National Book Foundation
Result: Finalist
Michael L. Printz Award (Honor Book)
2009
Work: The Kingdom on the Waves
Organization: American Library Association (YALSA)
Result: Honor Book
National Book Award (Finalist)
2018
Work: The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge
Category: Young People's Literature
Organization: National Book Foundation
Result: Finalist
Newbery Medal (Honor Book)
2024
Work: Elf Dog and Owl Head
Organization: American Library Association (ALA)
Result: Honor Book
Golden Duck Awards (Hal Clement Award for Young Adults)
Category: Hal Clement Award for Young Adults
Organization: Golden Duck Awards
Result: Winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Thirsty

1997 Young adult, horror elements

The coming-of-age story of Chris, a teenage boy transforming into a vampire; it uses horror and dark humor to explore adolescence.

coming-of-ageidentityfear and dark humor

Feed

2002 Dystopian, Young adult

A dystopian novel about teenagers implanted with a corporate-controlled 'feed' connecting them to constant advertising and information; it critiques consumerism and corporate power.

consumerismcorporate powerdegradation of languageyouth culture

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Volume I: The Pox Party

2006 Historical novel, Young adult

Set in 18th‑century America, it follows Octavian, the son of an African princess raised as part of a scientific study, and his awakening to harsh realities.

race and moralityscience and ethicshistory and narrative

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves

2008 Historical novel, Young adult

The sequel continuing Octavian's story, told largely through letters, exploring his later experiences and the political-social context of the 18th century.

epistolary formreconsideration of historyfreedom and domination

The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge

2018 Children's/YA illustrated novel, humor, satire

A satirical, humorous book illustrated by Eugene Yelchin, notable for its interplay of perspectives and linguistic play.

satirecross-cultural interactionhumor

Elf Dog and Owl Head

2023 Children's literature

A children's book noted for its distinctive narration and illustration; received Newbery Honor recognition in 2024.

friendshipadventureimagination

The Game of Sunken Places

2004 Middle-grade, fantasy

Two boys discover a game board that pulls them into another world where they must face trials and adventures.

adventurefriendshipfantasy

Bibliography

  • Thirsty (1997)
  • Burger Wuss (1999)
  • Feed (2002)
  • Handel, Who Knew What He Liked (2001)
  • The Game of Sunken Places (2004)
  • The Pox Party (2006)
  • The Kingdom on the Waves (2008)
  • The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge (2018)
  • Elf Dog and Owl Head (2023)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Witty and sarcastic proseGenre-crossing narrative voiceMature vocabulary and structure for adolescent readers
Recurring Motifs
consumerism and corporate influenceauthentic teenage voicemeticulous historical research

Legacy

M. T. Anderson is recognized for using wit and satire to explore social themes—consumerism, corporate power, and historical narrative—in young people's literature. He has multiple major awards and nominations, and works like Feed are widely taught in schools, showing significant influence.

Archives

  • Library of Congress (related catalog records)

In Popular Culture

  • Feed is frequently taught in schools and cited as a representative work of dystopian young adult literature

Quotes

  • We write because we can't decipher things the first time around.
    Source: Interview with Julie Prince (Teacher Librarian, 2009) (2009)

Trivia

  • His mother, Juliana Collins Anderson, is an Episcopal priest.
  • He once worked as a disc jockey for radio station WCUW.
  • He worked at Candlewick Press before his first novel was published.
  • Lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and serves on the board of Vermont College of Fine Arts.