Stuart Gibbs—now there’s a name that carries weight, not just in the world of middle-grade fiction but in the hearts of readers everywhere. When you think of a storyteller, someone who can pull you into a world and make you forget where you are, Stuart is that person. But this honor, being named a Monaco 40 over 40 laureate, isn’t just about the books he’s written—it’s about the man he is, the journey he’s been on, and the light he’s shared with the world.
Stuart Gibbs has spent his life crafting tales that capture the imaginations of young readers, drawing them into adventures that stay with them long after they’ve turned the last page. From the pages of the Charlie Thorne series to the laughter-filled escapades in FunJungle, Stuart has a way of making you feel like you’re right there with his characters, living every twist and turn. That’s the magic of his writing. But beneath the surface of his success is a story that has known both joy and sorrow.
In a conversation that felt as intimate as sitting across from an old friend, Stuart opened up about the pressures of success. He doesn’t shy away from it—he acknowledges it, lives with it, but never lets it define him. “There’s pressure,” he says, but there’s also a sense of gratitude that runs deeper. For Stuart, knowing that there are readers eagerly waiting for his next book isn’t a burden—it’s a blessing. It’s what drives him to keep writing, to keep creating, because he knows that somewhere out there, his stories are making a difference.
Success, though, isn’t measured by the number of books sold or the accolades received. For Stuart, success is much simpler, much more profound. It’s the smile on a child’s face when they find themselves lost in one of his books. It’s the joy of walking into a bookstore and seeing his stories on the shelves, knowing that they’ll soon be in the hands of eager young readers. It’s those moments at book signings where he meets the kids who’ve been touched by his work—those are the moments that matter.
And yet, Stuart’s journey hasn’t been without its trials. Six and a half years ago, his world was turned upside down when he lost his wife suddenly, leaving him to navigate life as a single parent to two young children. “Shock trauma,” he calls it, and anyone who’s ever lost someone they love knows exactly what he means. His children were just 9 and 12 at the time, thrust into a reality that no child should have to face. But Stuart, in the midst of his grief, found solace in the very thing that had always been his refuge—writing.
There was a time, shortly after his wife’s passing, when Stuart wondered if he’d ever be able to write again. But three weeks later, he found himself back at his desk, creating the worlds that had always been his escape. Writing became not just a job, but a lifeline—a way to cope with the pain, a way to keep going for the sake of his children. “It was an escape,” he admits, a way to step into a world of his own making, where he could find some semblance of control in a life that had been turned on its head.
Through it all, Stuart’s stories have remained a celebration of life and family. He’s made a conscious choice to populate his books with characters who come from strong, supportive families—a reflection of the life he wants to give his own children, even in the face of loss. “I’m not going to kill off a parent in the book,” he says, despite the painful irony of his own experience. Instead, he gives his young readers something to hold onto, something to believe in—a family that’s there for them, no matter what.
As his own children have grown, so too has Stuart’s career. What began as a passion for storytelling has blossomed into something much larger, something that resonates with readers of all ages. His son, now off to college, has seen firsthand the impact his father’s work has had on the world. And what once might have been a source of embarrassment has become a badge of pride. Because Stuart Gibbs isn’t just an author—he’s a father, a creator, a man who has taken the blows life has dealt him and turned them into something beautiful.
So why Stuart Gibbs, and why now as a Monaco 40 over 40 laureate? Because in a world that often feels like it’s losing its way, Stuart reminds us of the power of a good story, the importance of family, and that no matter what life throws at us, we can find our way through with grace, creativity, and a little bit of magic.
As we look to the future, one thing is certain—Stuart Gibbs has many more stories to tell. And as long as he’s writing, the world will be a brighter place for it. Here’s to Stuart, “The Write Stuff,” and to the many more adventures that await him and his readers.