Matt Beam Works
Writer, Teacher, Photographer
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Latest Release
Shoot The Moon
(Orca, Spring 2025)
16-year-old Charlie Abbotts comes home one day to find that her father who has bipolar disorder has disappeared. Should she get help or do it on her own? Whatever she does, she must act quickly...
“An absorbing, intensely felt, occasionally scary novel that will hook reluctant readers.” - Kirkus Reviews
I attempt to fill my narratives with empathy, verisimilitude, and humour.
“Beam offers a quiet, accurate, fully sketched portrait of an adolescent male facing life’s challenges.” - Booklist
Praise & Reviews of Last December
My writing style has been described at times as realistic, lyrical and visceral.
“The narrative's combination of raw language and poetic insight rings true.” - The Horn Book Guide to Children’s and Young Adult Books
Readers have praised my ability to create complex yet vivid characters.
“The contrivance of the novel-as story, ‘letter or whatever’—works brilliantly, because Steven is an intelligent, likable character with an utterly fresh and original voice.” - Kirkus Reviews, starred review