Wooster author wins Charlotte Award for Spider-Man picture book

Local author Annie Hunter Eriksen recently announced her children’s picture book, "Along Came a Radioactive Spider: Strange Steve Ditko and the Creation of Spider-Man," has been honored with the 2025 Charlotte Award by the New York Reading Association. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to children’s literature, voted on by young readers across New York State.

"Along Came a Radioactive Spider" focuses on the life of Spider-Man illustrator Steve Ditko, emphasizing to young readers how strangeness can inform creativity and uniqueness. Eriksen reunited with illustrator Lee Gatlin to spotlight Spidey’s elusive creator. The author-illustrator duo’s origin story began with "With Great Power: The Marvelous Stan Lee," Eriksen’s debut children’s book, which told the story of Marvel Comics' founding father Stan Lee.

The New York Reading Association’s Charlotte Award highlights books that resonate with young readers, fostering a love for reading and storytelling. Eriksen will be celebrated at an upcoming ceremony hosted by the association.

Eriksen lives in Wooster with her husband and two kids, both named after superheroes.

For more information about "Along Came a Radioactive Spider," visit www.aheriksen.com.