Brad Meltzer, a celebrated author, television host, and storyteller, has established himself as a prominent figure at the intersection of reality and history. The term “real-life Forrest Gump” has been thrown around for those whose lives weave unexpectedly through significant historical events, and Meltzer genuinely embodies this notion.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Brad-Meltzer-Bert-Ernie-5838a8a8045b42da9c18b2f7bd2374ff.jpg)
Reflecting on his life, he acknowledges a deep sense of gratitude juxtaposed with a feeling of bewilderment at how he arrived at this juncture. “I have a very blessed life, and one that sometimes doesn’t seem like it makes much sense,” he noted in a recent interview. Meltzer broke new ground as the first member of his family to attend university, a path diverged from that of his parents, who he humorously shared had only read “six books their whole lives” — a number that, he admitted, included his own works.
Following a job offer that fell through after graduating, Meltzer made the bold decision to pursue writing a novel, doing so alongside his law studies. His breakthrough came unexpectedly when, during his second year of law school, he sold a manuscript that would alter the course of his career. However, he emphasizes that it wasn’t this publishing success but an encouraging statement from his ninth-grade English teacher that truly set him on his path.
“She told me, ‘You can write,’” Meltzer reminisced, crediting those three words as life-changing. When he revisited this teacher a decade later to share his first book, she was overcome with emotion, revealing her doubts regarding her impact as an educator. This pivotal moment reinforced Meltzer’s belief in the power of encouragement and the ripple effect one educator can have on a student’s journey.
His works cater to diverse audiences; for adults, he pens fast-paced political thrillers such as *The Zig and Nola* and *The Culper Ring* series, while for younger readers, he created the *Ordinary People Change the World* series. This collection, which inspired the animated PBS Kids series *Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum*, serves a dual purpose. Not only does it tell the stories of historical figures, but it also aims to empower children to recognise their potential as change-makers. “It’s not just the name of the books. It’s what I stand for. It’s what my life stands for,” he stated.
His life experiences reflect this ethos. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, Meltzer was approached by Homeland Security to assist in understanding prospective terrorists. At first perplexed by the call, he found himself contributing to a brainstorming initiative alongside former CIA agents and Middle Eastern scholars. He assisted in investigating threats while also helping locate the missing flag from Ground Zero, and worked collaboratively with various notable figures, including Jane Goodall and former US Presidents.
In one poignant encounter, Meltzer read to the late President George H.W. Bush in his final days. Summoned to the Bush family home in Kennebunkport, Maine, Meltzer expected a brief reading session that quickly evolved into a much longer engagement. Surrounded only by his wife, President Bush, and the president’s service dog, he read excerpts from his book, *The First Conspiracy*. A powerful moment arose when he read the well-known phrase: “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal,” prompting President Bush to awaken fully, shifting the dynamics of their meeting.
His career has also extended to the screen, where he hosted *Brad Meltzer’s Decoded* on the History Channel and co-created the series *Jack & Bobby*. Throughout these ventures, he continues to find himself questioning how he has reached such a unique juncture in life. His illustrious journey has intertwined with history in unexpected ways, from his early days interning for the Senate Judiciary Committee under a young Senator Joe Biden to engaging closely with President Biden in the present day.
As Meltzer prepares to release the 40th book in the *Ordinary People Change the World* series, centred on the Wright Brothers, his commitment to inspiring young readers remains steadfast. “That is how my core belief, that ordinary people can change the world, has proven true in my life,” he asserted.
Ultimately, Meltzer’s mission transcends mere storytelling; it is about encouraging readers, particularly children, to envision themselves as capable of making history. His life is a testament to the belief that every individual holds the potential to create change, and there’s profound power in that message. His latest offering, *We Are the Wright Brothers*, is now available at retailers, poised to inspire yet another generation of changemakers.