Brandon T.

Snider

Middle Grade & Young Adult Novelist

Actor & Comedy Writer

Travels from: New York, NY

“Made my kids laugh and got them off screens. No really. It’s magic.” — Jim Gaffigan, comedian

Brandon T. Snider is the best-selling author of Supergirl’s Family Vacation, the award-winning Dark Knight Manual, the Avengers: Infinity War: The Cosmic Quest series and the Reuben Award-winning Rube Goldberg and His Amazing Machines series. His next middle grade series, Monster Middle School, drops in 2027 from Disney Publishing.

Brandon has also penned many Mad Libs, including a Pride Parade version, a Star Wars version, and a Richard Simmons version. Additionally, he’s written books featuring Cartoon Network favorites like Adventure Time and Regular Show, Marvel’s Spider-Man and Black Panther, plus pop culture icons such as Justice League, Star Wars, and The Muppets.

Brandon has also written for and appeared on Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer. As an actor he’s appeared on High Fidelity, The Deuce, Bull, Rachel Dratch’s Late Night Snack, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Law & Order: SVU, as well as various commercials, plays and short films. Brandon lives in New York City, where he’s a member of the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA.

Brandon T. 's Featured Titles

KPop Demon Hunters Mad Libs

Mad Libs |

September 8, 2026

Children’s

Mad Libs is the world’s greatest word game and the perfect gift or activity for anyone who likes to laugh! Write in the missing words on each page to create your own hilariously funny stories all about KPop Demon Hunters.

No more VERB ENDING IN “ING”, I’ll be shining, like I’m born to be! With 21 “fill-in-the-blank” stories about KPop Demon Hunters, this game can be played alone, in a group, or onstage with HUNTR/X. Mad Libs are a fun family activity recommended for ages 8 to NUMBER.

Comedy & Humor, Fiction, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

Supergirl’s Family Vacation

DC Comics |

May 5, 2026

Children’s/Middle Grade

Supergirl’s got big plans for summer break!

Pre-teen Kara Zor-El is an excellent superhero. She always saves the day (and gets her homework in on time). But all anyone ever notices is her famous cousin Clark, who gets all the credit even though Kara’s the one who captured Lex Luthor himself! Sigh. If only the people of Metropolis could see her greatness.

Kara has an idea: summer’s coming, and she wants to visit Argo, a floating city in space where the last survivors of Krypton live. These are her people, and, since Clark grew up on Earth, she can teach him a thing or two for once. It’s the perfect plan! And it gets even better when Lois invites along Kara’s best friend Natasha.

But when their road trip through space is interrupted by an old friend of Clark’s, the family gets diverted to a strange and beautiful planet with a dark secret that only Superman can save them from. Kara’s plans get pushed aside. Again. What’s a cranky pre-teen to do?

Fantasy, Speculative & Science Fiction, Friendship & Community, Illustration & Graphic Storytelling, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

Engine of Change (Rube Goldberg and His Amazing Machines #3)

Harry N. Abrams |

October 3, 2023

Middle Grade

Engine of Change is the third title in the hilarious Rube Goldberg and His Amazing Machines series by bestselling author Brandon T. Snider and featuring black-and-white illustrations by Reuben Award-winning artist Ed Steckley.

Evil Professor Zeero has disappeared, Superintendent Atwater has been put in his place, and all is right again in Beechwood . . . or is it?

When Rube Goldberg discovers the Null Corporation is building a giant machine in his beloved junkyard, he suspects something nefarious is at play. Then when he begins receiving anonymous messages from someone claiming to be an ally, he knows something is up. Together with his best friends Boob and Pearl, as well as friends like Reina, Lala, and Davin, Rube sets out to find out just what the company has planned for their town.

To throw a wrench in things, Rube’s dad has made an unexpected trip home, and Rube struggles to find the best way to share his new passion for problem-solving with the person he loves the most. Can Rube find all the answers he needs in time to save Beechwood?

Disguises, master plans, and, above all, Rube Goldberg Machines come together in this hilarious third title in the Rube Goldberg and His Amazing Machines series.

Written in Consultation with the Rube Goldberg Institute for Innovation & Creativity

Fiction, Illustration & Graphic Storytelling, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

What Is the Story of Transformers?

Penguin Workshop |

December 6, 2022

Children’s

Following the same format as the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series, the What Is the Story of? series brings you the stories behind the most beloved characters of our time.

“Autobots, Transform and Roll Out!” Drive along with some of the fiercest fighters ever in this biography of the Transformers that will have young readers ready to jump into action.

Since the 1980s, the Transformers toy line has been defining the lives of children with its mighty heroes. But the Robots in Disguise have morphed into much more than just a toy line! This biography for young readers tells the incredible story of the tiny toys that became blockbuster movie stars, comic book heroes, and more. Ride along with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron as you learn the history of the Autobots, the Decepticons, and their legendary battles.

Illustration & Graphic Storytelling, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

The New Switcheroo (Rube Goldberg and His Amazing Machines #2)

Amulet Books |

October 11, 2022

Middle/YA

After unintentionally unmasking a criminal mastermind at his school’s Contraption Convention, Rube Goldberg—and his inventions—are the talk of the sixth grade. Rube’s star is on the rise, and it’s a lot of pressure. What if he’s lost his mojo? There’s no time to wonder, because Rube and his two best friends, Boob and Pearl, are busy planning Pearl’s campaign for class president. With the Switcheroo Dance a weekend before the big election, Pearl’s path to victory is set. That is, until a new mystery strikes the town. Rube is eager to bring Zach into the fold, but Boob and Pearl can’t help but wonder if Rube’s mysterious new friend is hiding something . . . will Rube get his mojo back in time to unravel the mystery and save Pearl’s campaign?

Hijinks and hilarity abound in this dynamic follow-up to Rube Goldberg and His Amazing Machines, written by bestselling author Brandon T. Snider and featuring black-and-white illustrations by Ed Steckley.

Fiction, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Science & Technology

Rube Goldberg And His Amazing Machines

Amulet Books |

November 16, 2021

Picture Book

The hilarious first book in an all-new illustrated middle-grade series starring young inventor Rube Goldberg

On the first day of middle school, Principal Kim announces that the school is going to throw a Contraption Convention—the perfect opportunity for young inventor Rube Goldberg to show off his inventions and get out of his summer-long funk!

But after a fight with his friends Pearl and Boob about where his priorities really lie, Rube’s Con Con entry gets off to a rocky start—and then strange incidents begin to throw the town into disarray. Boob is convinced it’s a ghost causing all of this chaos. Between Con Con, the ghostly mystery, and a new rival, Rube has his work cut out for him. But with the help of his friends, he might just get things back on track, get on top of his burgeoning anxieties, and come up with something brilliant before it’s time to face the judging table.

Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

Pride Parade Mad Libs: World’s Greatest Word Game

Mad Libs |

May 4, 2021

Nonfiction

Get ready to strut your stuff, because it’s time to celebrate with Pride Parade Mad Libs! This fabulous new Mad Libs features 21 hilarious fill-in-the-blank stories all about the excitement of Pride, the history of Stonewall, and embracing being LGBTQIA+. This is one parade you won’t want to miss.

Art History, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Nonfiction

MARVEL’s Avengers: Infinity War: The Cosmic Quest Volume One: Beginning

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |

April 3, 2018

Graphic Novel

A threat has emerged from the cosmos: Thanos. A ruthless warlord who plans to collect all six Infinity Stones. Joined by his formidable allies, he will be near-unstoppable at achieving his goal. The Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange and Spider-Man must join forces and fight side by side to stop Thanos, while the fate of the Earth and the universe lays in the balance.

This book features the stories of three of the six Stones as The Collector recovers from his run in with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Desperate to repopulate his vast collection of curios, he must contend with his brother, The Grandmaster, who comes to him after facing Thor and the Hulk. The pair squares off in a night of one-upmanship and speculate on the only things in the universe that would return The Collector to his former glory–the Infinity Stones.

Fantasy, Speculative & Science Fiction, Fiction, Illustration & Graphic Storytelling

Justice League: Starro and the Cyberspore

Stone Arch Books |

August 1, 2017

Graphic Novel

When school children start changing into zombies, Batman, Superman, Aquaman, and the rest of the Justice League leap into action. They soon discover that Starro the Conqueror is bent on world domination with the help of a cellphone app. Can the Justice League stop the alien starfish before it’s too late? Or will Starro’s sinister cyberspore lead to a worldwide zombie apocalypse?

Fantasy, Speculative & Science Fiction, Fiction, Illustration & Graphic Storytelling

Conversation/Q&A

This casual set up, as opposed to a lecture, is the best way to keep young audiences engaged and attentive. An informal back and forth allows for an honest dialogue. It also helps students think of questions for the Q&A portion. Topics of conversation include the author’s journey as a writer and/or actor, the projects and characters the auther has worked on, how the author goes about creating a story, the writing/editing process and how kids can become writers by unlocking their imaginations.

Mad for Mad Libs

Find out what makes Mad Libs the “World’s Greatest Game” in this fun, informative chat. Brandon knows a thing or two about Mad Libs having written Game Over Mad Libs and Pride Parade Mad Libs in addition to a variety of iconic Mad Libs featuring Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Star Wars and even Richard Simmons! First we’ll go over all the elements of a Mad Lib, including a refresher on all the parts of speech and a discussion about what makes them funny. Then we’ll do a few together before breaking into smaller groups where students will create their very own personalized Mad Lib.

Rube Goldberg and his Amazing Machines

Here kids will learn the history of cartoonist inventor Rube Goldberg and the complicated machines he drew that made him super famous in the early 1900’s. From there we’ll springboard into a chat about the young version of Rube that appears in Rube Goldberg and his Amazing Machines, also mentioning characters from old Rube comic strips, such as Professor Butts, who have been reimagined in the new series. Brandon will also read from Book #1 and participate in a Q&A.

Superhero Smackdown

What is it like writing famous Marvel and DC Comics heroes? For starters, it’s really fun! Here Brandon talks about his journey from comic book fan to author of superhero books. We’ll go over the process of creating a graphic novel script and working with an editor to make sure it hits all the right notes. Brandon will give you a behind the scenes look at how the artists he works with create each page of art and, if time permits, students might have a chance to create their own comics.

“As the principal of a 6-12 school in Brooklyn, I’m always looking for dynamic guests who can inspire my young learners with compelling stories, inspirations and motivations. Brandon was the perfect guest at our school’s career day. My students loved seeing and hearing about his work, his process and his dedication. They were clamoring to hear more and wanted me to invite him to come back the next week! I wish all of our career day speakers were as engaging, interactive and informative as he was!” — James Olearchik, New York City School Principal

“If you’re looking for a dynamic author, personality, and all-around amazing person, then look no more. Brandon is a delight to work with and has a zest for life that’s unparalleled. He’s completely at ease when presenting to large or small groups and has a wealth of knowledge and experiences to offer students. We all found him to be very kindhearted, entertaining and an easily approachable person to host. Much like his comedy skits and superhero writing, Brandon never fails to delight audiences.” — Michelle R. Andis, Director of Libraries, International School of Amsterdam

“Brandon’s passion for writing immediately engaged our students during his author’s visit to our middle school in Michigan. Weaving his experiences as an author into his presentation, he skillfully reflected the writing process as a journey. Students were encouraged to ask questions, which Brandon answered with enthusiasm and honesty. He inspired our students to write, which for middle school students was quite extraordinary.” — Cappi Marshall, Garden City Middle School

“Snider accurately conveys feelings of change and growth at a time when tweens are truly still children . . . Steckley’s black-and-white illustrations evoke the cluttered, mad-scientist feel of Rube’s workspace. . .” — Kirkus Reviews

Brandon’s Playwrighting

Brandon’s Press Clips

Brandon’s Video Library

Honors, Awards & Recognition

National Cartoonist Society Reuben Award for Best Book Illustration, 2022 for Rube Goldberg and his Amazing Machines: The New Switcheroo
Independent Publisher Award for Pop Culture & Leisure, 2013 for The Dark Knight
Silver PubWest Book Design Award for Gift/Holiday/Special, 2013 for The Dark Knight
Brandon has written for and appeared on Comedy Central’s Inside Amy Schumer.
As an actor he’s appeared on High Fidelity, The Deuce, Bull, Rachel Dratch’s Late Night Snack, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and Law & Order: SVU, as well as various commercials, plays and short films.