AJ Irving

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. reads kidlit every day and dances every chance she gets. She is the author of Dance Like a Leaf (Barefoot Books, 2020) and The Wishing Flower (Knopf BFYR, May 30, 2023). 

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. received a B.A. in journalism and women’s and gender studies from the University of Oregon. 

Find AJ on her website.

Bibliography

  • Standalone
    The Wishing Flower
    AJ Irving
  • Standalone
    Dance Like a Leaf
    AJ Irving
     

Reviews

Standalone

The Wishing Flower
"A strong ­purchase for all collections, especially as a social-­emotional text."

School Library Journal, STARRED Review!

"An expertly drawn and composed introduction to self-discovery."

Kirkus Reviews, STARRED Review!

"[Shows] exactly how it feels to be seen and understood as never before."

Publishers Weekly

Dance Like a Leaf
“This evocative pairing of story and art creates a tone poem and lesson, a lovely reflection on the seasons of life, and a gentle lead-in to discussion of death and renewal.” —School Library Journal, starred review

School Library Journal, STARRED Review

“This lovely Spanish translation of Dance Like a Leaf contains melodic language and high-level vocabulary that create a sophisticated, heart-tugging story about how our loved ones never truly leave us.” —Booklist on BAILA COMO UNA HOJA, the Spanish edition of DANCE LIKE A LEAF

Booklist