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...
"Beam leaves readers with food for thought about the roles they should–and perhaps should not—be expected to take within their families. An absorbing, intensely felt, occasionally scary novel that will hook reluctant readers.” - Kirkus Reviews
Commendations
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Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection
2025 CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens Selection
Telling Tales Reading Selection
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