Early Life and Education
Born Joan Lowery in Los Angeles, California, Nixon developed an early passion for storytelling. She attended the University of Southern California, where she studied journalism and received her Bachelor of Arts degree. After college, she worked as an editor and journalist before dedicating herself to writing fiction. She married Hershell H. Nixon, an engineer, and they had four daughters.Career and Writing Style
Nixon began her writing career in the 1960s, initially focusing on children's picture books and easy readers. Her first book, The Mystery of the Grinning Cat, was published in 1966. She quickly found her niche in young adult fiction, particularly mysteries and thrillers, where she excelled at crafting suspenseful plots with relatable teenage protagonists.Her novels often featured young female protagonists who found themselves entangled in dangerous situations, requiring them to use their wit, courage, and resourcefulness to solve mysteries and escape peril. Nixon was skilled at creating authentic settings and developing complex characters facing moral dilemmas, making her stories both engaging and thought-provoking for her target audience. She frequently incorporated themes of family, friendship, justice, and the resilience of youth.
Beyond contemporary mysteries, Nixon also delved into historical fiction, often weaving suspense into narratives set against significant historical backdrops. Notable historical series include "The Orphan Train Adventures," which followed children being sent west on orphan trains in the 19th century, and the "Ellis Island Series," focusing on immigrant experiences.
Awards and Recognition
Joan Lowery Nixon is one of the most decorated authors in young adult mystery fiction, having received the prestigious Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Young Adult Mystery four times from the Mystery Writers of America. Her winning titles include:- ''The Kidnapping of Christina Lattimore'' (1980)
- ''Ransom for a River Dolphin'' (1982)
- ''The Name of the Game Was Murder'' (1986)
- ''Don't Scream Before You Die'' (2001)
She also received numerous other accolades, including the Golden Kite Award from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the California Young Reader Medal, and multiple state young reader awards. Her work was consistently praised for its accessibility, suspense, and ability to engage young readers.
Legacy
Nixon's contribution to young adult literature is significant. She helped define the modern YA mystery genre, demonstrating that books for teenagers could be both thrilling and intelligent. Her commitment to crafting strong, independent female characters served as an inspiration for many young readers. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 76, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to be read and enjoyed by generations of readers.Selected Bibliography
- ''The Kidnapping of Christina Lattimore'' (1979)
- ''The Seance'' (1980)
- ''Ransom for a River Dolphin'' (1981)
- ''The Gift'' (1983)
- ''The Stalker'' (1985)
- ''The Name of the Game Was Murder'' (1986)
- ''A Deadly Game of Magic'' (1993)
- ''The Orphan Train Adventures'' (series, e.g., ''A Family Apart'', ''Caught in the Act'')
- ''The Ellis Island Series'' (series, e.g., ''Coming to America: The Story of an Immigrant'')
- ''The Haunting'' (1998)
- ''Don't Scream Before You Die'' (2000)