AJ Irving
Agent
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
- Picture BookThe Bi BookAJ Irving
Lambda Literary Award Finalist 2024
StandaloneThe Wishing FlowerAJ Irving- StandaloneDance Like a LeafAJ Irving
Reviews
Picture Book
The Bi Book
"[G]orgeous concept book... It's a simple approach that bridges an understanding of language to an expression of identity, infusing it all with an appropriate sense of peace, pride, and community. A sweet, loving lesson in language and love, on a subject rarely covered."Booklist, Starred Review!
"In this calming and tranquil picture book, words that begin with “bi” are explored... This book conveys that bi is beautiful in a simple yet effective way while exposing young children to complex vocabulary... This simple book shares complex ideas, teaches an important prefix, and engages young readers through lovely, approachable illustrations."
"[T]he creators straightforwardly establish bisexuality as another part of a wide world full of words—and worthy of the same understanding."
"[E]mpowering for all."
Standalone
The Wishing Flower
"A strong purchase for all collections, especially as a social-emotional text."
"An expertly drawn and composed introduction to self-discovery."
"[Shows] exactly how it feels to be seen and understood as never before."
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
“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