Tracey West is a prolific American author who has written over 200 books for children, encompassing original series, tie-in novels, and nonfiction works. She is best known for her Dragon Masters series, part of Scholastic’s Branches line, which has become a New York Times bestseller and a favorite among early chapter book readers. West also created the Pixie Tricks series and has contributed to many other original projects.
In addition to her own creations, West has written extensively for licensed properties, crafting novelizations and companion books for popular cartoons, video games, and TV shows. She is widely recognized for her Pokémon chapter books, which have introduced countless young readers to the world of Ash, Pikachu, and their friends. Her tie-in writing includes works for LEGO Ninjago, Teen Titans, The Powerpuff Girls, SpongeBob SquarePants, Samurai Jack, and Scooby-Doo. She has also authored Smithsonian nonfiction titles such as the No Way… Way! series, blending engaging facts with accessible writing for young audiences.
Born and raised in New Jersey, West studied journalism and English at Rutgers University. She began her career in children’s publishing in New York City before transitioning into full-time writing. Her ability to balance humor, action, and heart has made her work popular with both children and parents.
West currently lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with her husband Bill, her stepchildren, and several pets. She and her husband also run The Dragon Wagon, a mobile children’s bookstore that brings free books to kids at libraries, schools, and festivals—especially in rural areas. This initiative reflects her passion for literacy and her belief that every child should have access to books.
Through her storytelling and community work, Tracey West has become a beloved figure in children’s literature, inspiring imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading.
