Gregory Maguire

Gregory Maguire is a novelist known for his contributions to fantasy and children's literature. His authorship of the popular novel "Wicked" led to its adaptation into a Broadway musical and a two-part musical film series. He further cultivated his expertise in children's literature as a professor and co-director at the Simmons College Center for the Study of Children's Literature from 1979 to 1986. Alongside this, he co-founded and served as co-director for the nonprofit educational charity Children's Literature New England, Inc., for twenty-five years. Maguire's works often draw inspiration from classic children's stories, reimagined for adult audiences.

Maguire has an extensive portfolio of published novels for both adults and children. His works include the "Wicked" series, "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister," "Mirror, Mirror," "The Lightning Time," "The Daughter of the Moon," and the "Hamlet Chronicles" series. Additionally, his contribution to the field of children’s literature extends to non-fiction works like "Innocence and Experience: Essays and Conversations on Children's Literature." He most recently released "Wicked" prequels titled "Elphie: A Wicked Childhood" and "Galinda: A Charmed Childhood," released in 2025 and 2026, respectively. His engaging discussions and insights into his work and his Catholic faith have been featured in various interviews and media appearances, such as his feature on Oprah in 2009.

In 2023, Maguire participated in a speaker series at The Umbrella Arts Center, where he could share his knowledge and perspectives. His work, renowned for its reinterpretation of classic stories and exploration of themes from the perspective of the story's traditional antagonist, has led to various adaptations, including the films "Wicked" and "Wicked: For Good." As a significant contributor to the genre of fantasy literature, Maguire's perspectives on the intersections of literature and society offer valuable insights to various audiences.