I’ve been a fantasy bookworm since I was a kid, and I’ve always dreamed of creating a story that teens could dive into.
Today, I’m living that dream, and I’m excited to share the journey with you!
Hi!
I’m Matis, a 22-year-old Fantasy and Sci-Fi author. I’ve been a fantasy bookworm for as long as I can remember—totally captivated by series like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner.
Those stories made me dream big, and ever since, I’ve wanted to create stories that teens could dive into just like I did.
At 17, I wrote my first Young Adult Fantasy & Sci-Fi novel, Chosen 21. In 2023, when I turned 20, it was published by the second-largest publishing house in Israel. Now, I’m working on bringing Chosen 21 to readers in the U.S., and I’ve just finished writing book two in the trilogy!
Beyond writing, I enjoy speaking to classes about my journey as a young author.
I encourage students to share their dreams, embrace their ambitions with confidence, and take meaningful steps toward making them
a reality.
I also volunteer with a nonprofit that supports girls in science, because I believe imagination and ambition belong to everyone.
Speaking to kids at an elementary school
The idea of Chosen 21 came to me when I was traveling in Japan with my family, at the age of 16. One afternoon, we got on the Shinkansen train, the fastest train in Japan, and it looked so futuristic. It made me think of a spaceship. Then it struck me - what if one day this train could be adapted to reach an unknown planet? What If teens like me would be sent to a planet to save humanity? How would these teens be selected? Quickly, I grabbed my sweet green notebook and started writing the prologue.
When I returned home, my studies kept me extremely busy, and I couldn’t find time to write that book.
It wasn’t until a year and a half later, when COVID-19 began, that I finally had the opportunity. I sat down at my desk and made a promise to myself: I would dedicate all my energy and imagination to writing this book. Over the next nine months, I spent all my free time writing.
I plunged into the story, bringing my beloved characters and settings to life. My favorite moments were when my fingers flew across the keyboard, driven by the excitement of crafting surprising plot twists.
As I neared the end of the writing process, the title finally emerged: “Chosen 21.”
After finishing the book, I decided to publish it in Israel, where I live.
To my immense joy, Chosen 21 was accepted by Yediot Books, the second-largest publishing house in the country. I screamed and danced—it was one of the happiest moments of my life.
In the following months, I had the privilege of working closely with the talented team at Yediot Books to refine the story.
Finally, in February 2023, Chosen 21 made its debut.
The book was displayed in bookstores across Israel, and every time I walked into a store and saw it featured on the center table, it felt surreal. Soon, I began receiving feedback on social media and was thrilled to see how many readers connected with the story and its main characters. What touched me most were the messages from readers who said that Chosen 21 had sparked their love of reading.
Chosen 21
Prize
Chosen 21 was selected among the 20 most recommended books for middle school by the Israeli Ministry of Education.
"It's clearly one of the
best books I've ever
read".
(boy, age 15)
"I finished it in 24 hours! I really couldn't put in down".
(girl, age 18)
"Thank's to your book, I started reading again".
(girl, age 14)
“CHOSEN 21" is a thrilling Sci-Fi
novel for teens that, alongside its adventures, explores themes like teenage friendships, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice...
With keen sensitivity to character development, the author brings an authentic voice to her teenage characters, making them feel vivid and real."
~ Israel Today newspaper
"I don't remember the last time I felt such a deep connection to the characters".
(boy, age 17)
Matis Kogan never planned to be a published author—until COVID lockdown boredom sparked a fantasy novel. At just 16, she started writing Chosen 21, and three years later, boldly pitched it at the Tel Aviv Book fair.
After some rejections, she landed a deal with Yedioth Books, the second largest publishing house in Israel. Now 20, she’s officially a published author, proving that a dream—and a little persistence—can go a long way.
