Jarrett J. Krosoczka, known since boyhood as "JJK," is the
New York Times bestselling author/illustrator behind more than forty books for young readers, including his wildly popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, select volumes of the Star Wars™: Jedi Academy series, and
Hey, Kiddo, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Krosoczka creates books with humor, heart, and deep respect for his young readers—qualities that have made his titles perennial favorites on the bookshelves of homes, libraries, and bookstores over the past twenty years.
In addition to his work in print, Krosoczka produced, directed, and performed in the full-cast audiobook adaptations of his graphic novels. The
Hey, Kidoo audiobook garnered both Audie and Odyssey Awards for excellence in audiobook production. The Lunch Lady audiobook cast is led by Kate Flannery (The Office) and is rounded out by famed audiobook narrators and real kid actors!
Krosoczka has been a guest on
NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, profiled in The New York Times, featured on
Good Morning America, and delivered
three captivating TED Talks, which have accrued millions of views online. Krosoczka garners millions more views online monthly via the tutorials he produces for YouTube and TikTok. As well as working on his books' film and television adaptions, Krosoczka has also written
for The Snoopy Show (Apple TV+) and served as a consultant for
Creative Galaxy (Prime Video), and appeared in live segments for the show.
Realizing that his books can inspire young readers beyond the page, Krosoczka founded
School Lunch Hero Day, a national campaign celebrating school lunch staff. A consummate advocate for arts education, Krosoczka also established the
Joseph and Shirley Krosoczka Memorial Youth Scholarships, which fund art classes for underprivileged children in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Krosoczka lives in western Massachusetts with his spouse and their three children, a pug named Frank and a French bulldog named Bella Carmella.
