April Henry author page

April Henry biography

April Henry is an American author renowned for her mysteries and thrillers aimed at both young adult and adult audiences. Her works have achieved New York Times bestseller status and have been recognized with awards such as the Anthony Award and the Oregon Book Award. Henry’s novels are noted for their meticulous research and engaging storytelling.

Born on April 14, 1959, in Portland, Oregon, Henry grew up in Medford. At the age of 12, she sent a short story about a frog who loved peanut butter to author Roald Dahl. Impressed, Dahl shared it with an editor, leading to its publication in an international children’s magazine. This early success planted the seed for her future writing career.

Henry pursued a degree in business at Oregon State University and worked in various roles, including as a communications specialist in the healthcare industry. While working full-time and raising a child, she wrote her first novel, Circles of Confusion, which was published in 1999 and nominated for both the Agatha and Anthony Awards.

Transitioning to young adult fiction, Henry published Shock Point in 2006, followed by several acclaimed titles such as Girl, Stolen, The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die, and The Girl I Used to Be. Her books often appear on state reading lists and have been translated into multiple languages.

Henry’s commitment to authenticity is evident in her research methods, which have included attending police academies, studying martial arts, and consulting with experts to accurately portray various aspects of her stories.