Alan Durant

Alan Durant is a British children’s and young adult author best known for writing engaging fiction across a wide range of genres, including picture books, school stories, thrillers, and reading-series fiction. Among his many works is the short novel Game Boy, part of a Barrington Stoke–style accessible reading series aimed at reluctant and struggling readers. The story follows a young boy named JP who becomes drawn into a video-game-like adventure that begins to feel dangerously real, blending fast-paced action with themes of courage, decision-making, and the blurred line between virtual and real worlds. Durant’s writing in this and similar titles is known for being clear, accessible, and highly engaging for younger readers, particularly those developing reading confidence.

Durant has built a long career as a prolific author, having written over a hundred books for children and teens. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as a copywriter for children’s publishers such as Walker Books, where he contributed text for well-known titles and book marketing materials. He later transitioned into writing his own fiction, producing popular works such as Burger Boy and Always and Forever, alongside numerous educational and literacy-focused series. His books are widely used in schools and libraries, and he is especially known for creating stories that combine humour, emotional depth, and accessible storytelling for a wide age range.

In addition to standalone books like Game Boy, Alan Durant has also contributed to educational reading collections such as the Time to Read series (including multi-book sets designed for classroom use and guided reading). These collections are intended to support literacy development through carefully levelled texts that maintain narrative interest while improving reading skills. Durant is also active in school visits, workshops, and literacy events, where he encourages reading and creative writing among young audiences. His overall body of work has made him a significant figure in contemporary children’s literature, particularly in the area of accessible and school-based fiction.