Alice Hoffman, Acclaimed American Author, Publishes New Works

Novelist and children's author known for magical realism celebrates 50-year career with new book releases.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:01pm

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Alice Hoffman, the acclaimed American novelist and children's author known for her magical realism writing style, was born on March 16, 1952 in New York and raised on Long Island. Hoffman, who has published over 40 books and is a New York Times bestselling author, is celebrating her 50-year writing career with the release of two new works in 2026 - a collection of essays on love called "The Best Dog in the World" and the first book in a new spellbinding series titled "The Witches of Cambridge."

Why it matters

Hoffman is considered one of the most influential and beloved American authors of the past half-century, known for her imaginative stories that blend realism with fantastical elements. Her works, including the popular "Practical Magic" series, have been adapted into films and earned her numerous awards. The release of her new books in 2026 will delight her loyal fanbase and introduce her unique style of magical realism to new generations of readers.

The details

Hoffman graduated from Stanford University in 1974 with a Master of Arts in creative writing. Her first novel, "Property Of," was published in 1977. She is best known for her 1995 novel "Practical Magic," the first book of a four-volume series that was made into a movie in 1998. Hoffman is married to screenwriter and investor Tom Martin, and they have two sons, Jake and Wolfe. Wolfe Martin collaborated with his mother on the picture book "Moondog." Hoffman was treated for breast cancer at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, where she helped start the hospital's Hoffman Breast Center.

  • Alice Hoffman was born on March 16, 1952.
  • Hoffman's first novel, "Property Of," was published in 1977.
  • Hoffman's bestselling novel "Practical Magic" was published in 1995.
  • Hoffman's new book "The Best Dog in the World" is set to be released in March 2026.
  • Hoffman's new book "The Witches of Cambridge" is scheduled for release on August 11, 2026.

The players

Alice Hoffman

An acclaimed American novelist and children's author known for her magical realism writing style. Hoffman has published over 40 books and is a New York Times bestselling author.

Tom Martin

Hoffman's husband, who is a screenwriter and investor.

Wolfe Martin

One of Hoffman's two sons, who collaborated with her on the picture book "Moondog."

Mount Auburn Hospital

The hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts where Hoffman was treated for breast cancer and helped start the Hoffman Breast Center.

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What’s next

Hoffman's new book "The Witches of Cambridge," the first in a new spellbinding series, is scheduled for release on August 11, 2026.

The takeaway

Over her 50-year career, Alice Hoffman has established herself as one of the most beloved and influential American authors, captivating readers with her imaginative stories that blend magical realism with relatable human experiences. The release of her new works in 2026 will further cement her legacy as a master storyteller.