Matt Sprouts
| Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes Matt Sprouts and the Day Nora Ate the Sun Matt Sprouts and The Search for the Chompy Wompers (forthcoming) | |
| Author | Matt Eicheldinger |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Matt Eicheldinger |
| Cover artist | Matt Eicheldinger |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Middle grade fiction, Children's literature, Humor |
| Publisher | Andrews McMeel Publishing (current) Wise Ink Creative Publishing (original) |
| Published | 2021–present |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover, Paperback), E-book, Audiobook |
Matt Sprouts is a series of middle grade fiction books written and illustrated by American author Matt Eicheldinger. The series follows the adventures of eleven-year-old Matt Sprouts as he navigates the challenges of middle school life. The first book in the series became a New York Times and USA Today bestseller upon its traditional publication in 2024.[1]
Plot and characters
[edit]Main character
[edit]The series centers on Matt Sprouts, an eleven-year-old boy described as relatable but imperfect, who faces various challenges and adventures while learning important life lessons.[2] The character is semi-autobiographical, based on Eicheldinger's own childhood experiences growing up on Colorado's western slope.[3]
Supporting characters
[edit]The series features various supporting characters, including Grace, a key character in the first book, and Nora the goat, who serves as the central challenge in the second book.[2] Eicheldinger deliberately chose not to illustrate certain characters, such as "The Purple Grape Lady," to allow readers to use their imagination.[2]
Books in the series
[edit]Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes (2021/2024)
[edit]The debut novel follows Matt Sprouts after he accidentally injures his neighbor Jenna with a martial arts move, leading him to believe he has been afflicted with "the Curse," a local myth that ruins middle schoolers' lives.[4] Throughout the story, Matt experiences character growth, makes new friends, develops work ethic, and indeed breaks all ten of his toes.[4]
Originally self-published in September 2021 through Wise Ink Creative Publishing, the book won four national awards, including Indie Book of the Year.[5] Andrews McMeel Publishing acquired the rights and republished it in March 2024, when it became a bestseller in its first week.[1]
Matt Sprouts and the Day Nora Ate the Sun (2024)
[edit]The second book in the series, published in September 2024, features Matt's encounter with Nora the goat, described as a babysitting challenge unlike any other.[6]
Matt Sprouts and The Search for the Chompy Wompers (2025)
[edit]The third book in the series is scheduled for publication in Fall 2025.[2]
Development and creation
[edit]Origins
[edit]The series originated from Eicheldinger's teaching practice of sharing childhood stories with his students to build rapport and create connections.[7] He maintained a storytelling jar in his classroom filled with slips of paper containing titles of stories from his childhood, which became the foundation for the Matt Sprouts character and adventures.[8]
Illustration
[edit]Eicheldinger both writes and illustrates the series, despite having no formal art training.[7] His illustration style developed from years of drawing his students as cartoon characters for end-of-year coloring sheets.[7] He has been drawing the Matt Sprouts character since third grade.[9]
Reception
[edit]Critical reception
[edit]The series has received positive reviews from both critics and fellow authors. Dustin Brady, bestselling author of Trapped in a Video Game, described the first book as "funny, heartwarming, and impossible to put down."[4] Nina Hamza, author of Ahmed Azis's Epic Year, called it "the kind of book that makes a kid stay up past their bedtime, reading with a flashlight under the blanket."[4]
Commercial success
[edit]The series has achieved significant commercial success, with the first book becoming a New York Times and USA Today bestseller immediately upon its traditional publication.[1] The books have been particularly successful with reluctant readers and have gained popularity through Eicheldinger's social media presence.[2]
Educational impact
[edit]The series has been embraced by educators and parents for its ability to engage young readers while fostering creativity and critical thinking.[10] The books have been used in classrooms as read-aloud materials and have been praised for inspiring children to explore "the extraordinary in the ordinary."[10]
Themes
[edit]The Matt Sprouts series explores themes common to middle-grade literature, including:
- Personal responsibility and consequences
- Friendship and social relationships
- Resilience and perseverance
- Self-discovery and character growth
- The balance between individual agency and external circumstances[3]
The books address the "illogical urgency of preadolescence" and the emotional swings between elation and devastation typical of middle school experiences.[3]
See also
[edit]- Matt Eicheldinger - Author and creator of the series
- Middle grade fiction
- Children's literature
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Former Twin Cities teacher now a New York Times best-selling author: "It's very surreal"". CBS News. Minnesota. October 15, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Inspiring Interview with Teacher Author Matt Eicheldinger". Imagination Soup. March 22, 2024.
- ^ a b c "In Conversation with Author Matt Eicheldinger". Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. March 29, 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes". Amazon.com.
- ^ "Matt Eicheldinger Author Page". Amazon.com.
- ^ "Matt Eicheldinger Audio Books". Audible.com.
- ^ a b c "Matt Eicheldinger on Teaching and Writing". TeachingBooks. February 2024.
- ^ "About". Matt Eicheldinger.
- ^ "Former Wayzata Teacher Now A New York Times Best Seller: "It's Very Surreal"". Patch. October 14, 2024.
- ^ a b "Books". Matt Eicheldinger.
External links
[edit]- Official book information on author's website
- Andrews McMeel Publishing - Current publisher