MARY HOFFMAN

  • 69

    Catalog books

  • 5

    Works

  • 1976 to 2015

    Strongest span

Who This Author Is

Mary Hoffman writes warm, character-driven stories for middle-grade readers. Her book Starring Grace follows a determined girl who loves acting and challenges expectations at school and home, blending theatrical detail with everyday family and friendship struggles that young readers recognize and root for.

Hoffman’s storytelling focuses on agency and imagination, giving her protagonist a clear voice and believable emotional stakes. The novel balances stagecraft and real-life moments, making it appealing to readers who enjoy books about creativity, confidence, and the work behind pursuing a passion.

Best Place To Start

Stravaganza

Bloomsbury USA Children's Books • 2010 • longer commitment

It helps anchor a specific period of this author’s publishing run instead of blending into the undated shelf clutter.

Author At A Glance

Best known for: Character-driven middle-grade fiction • Quiet, everyday moments • Friendship and family dynamics

Genres and themes: Middle-grade • Realistic contemporary • Coming-of-age • School and home life

Who this author is best for: Warm, gently paced stories for readers who like character-focused, low-conflict middle-grade novels.

Start with Starring Grace to sample Hoffman's understated tone and focus on family and friendships.

Top Books To Start With

  1. Stravaganza

    Bloomsbury USA Children's Books • 2010 • longer commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 2010 • 416 pages.

  2. The Falconer's Knot

    Bloomsbury USA Children's Books • 2008 • standard commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 2008 • 304 pages.

  3. City Of Masks (Stravaganza)

    Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media • 2004 • longer commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 2004 • 344 pages.

  4. Special Powers (H Fantasy)

    Hodder & Stoughton • 1999 • standard commitment

    It stands out because it asks for less time than many of the longer volumes on this page.

  5. Ip Dip Sky Blue

    Collins • 1990 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 1990 • 128 pages.

  6. Amazing Grace Anniversary Edition

    Quarto Publishing Group UK • 2015 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 2015 • 32 pages.

  7. Bravo, Grace!

    Frances Lincoln Children's Books • 2015 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 2015 • 96 pages.

  8. Kings and queens of the Bible

    Henry Holt • 2008 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 2008 • 31 pages.

  9. An Angel Just Like Me

    Frances Lincoln • 2007 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 2007 • 32 pages.

  10. Parables and Miracles of Jesus

    Frances Lincoln • 2007 • quick commitment

    UPB note: year signal: 2007 • 64 pages.

How The Picks Compare

  • The Falconer's Knot is the easier short commitment, while Stravaganza asks for more reading time up front.
  • The Falconer's Knot gives you an earlier look at this author’s shelf, while Stravaganza leans later in the catalog.
  • City Of Masks (Stravaganza) is also useful if you want a different publishing lane from Stravaganza.

More Books By MARY HOFFMAN

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