Fifth Grade
Worksheets
Eoin Colfer
Eoin (pronounced like Owen) Colfer is the author of the popular Artemis Fowl book series. His name may seem odd. It is not a name you see often in America. In Ireland, where Eoin is from, it is a common name. From an early age, he had an interest in writing. He also had a passion for history. He loved hearing about the adventures of the Vikings and the early history of Ireland. He was a bit awkward as a teenager. He was never very good at sports and never knew what to say to girls. Instead, he took an interest in Irish mythology. While most boys stay away from things like fairies, Eoin didn't. The fairies in Irish myths were tough. They carried axes! They were always ready for a fight.
Eoin Colfer grew up and went to college. He followed in his father's footsteps and became a teacher. After college, Eoin and his wife, Jackie, did something different. They spent four years traveling and working in foreign lands. They lived in Italy, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Eoin took teaching jobs along the way. He learned a lot about different cultures and lifestyles of people in other parts of the world.
After four years abroad, Eoin returned home to Ireland. He continued teaching. In his spare time, he started writing a book. His book, Benny and Omar, was based on the things he learned when he was traveling. His book was published in 1998. Just one year later, he published a sequel, Benny and Babe. Both books were bestsellers in Ireland. Eoin wrote several more children's books before creating the character that would make him famous.
