8 Female Authors Who Write Wonderful YA Fiction
The books young people read in school often jump from talking animals and pictures straight to literary classics about adult life, which may be why so many kids in their early teens stop reading for fun. If you want to spark a love of reading in your house, check out these YA authors creating works from a female perspective that offer teens something they can relate to with real characters and honest emotions. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
8 Noteworthy Women Writing YA Fiction
An Interview With Meg Cabot
8 Great Films Based on YA Novels
- The Fault in Our Stars based on the book by John Green
- Divergent based on the book by Veronica Roth
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone based on the book by J.K. Rowling
- The Princess Diaries based on the book by Meg Cabot
- Holes based on the book by Louis Sachar
- The Hunger Games based on the book by Suzanne Collins
- Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist based on the book by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
- Bridge to Terabithia based on the book by Katherine Paterson
The History of YA Literature
In Depth
Many of us come to literature at a young age, when our minds and outlooks on life are actively being shaped. Today, there are countless authors competing for our attention, working in pretty much every genre imaginable. A perennial favorite for kids and teens is the young adult genre, an expansive category that ranges from tales of life in school to high-stakes paranormal romances. If you want to learn more about some of the women writers active in this area, then here are, in no particular order, eight female authors who write compelling books.
Coming in at #1 is Meg Cabot. Born in Bloomington, Indiana, this author has written over eighty books, which collectively have sold more than twenty-five million copies around the world. Active in the genres of romance, mystery, and young adult, Cabot particularly enjoys drawing new readers into the world of literature. Many of her works have also been adapted for the screen.
Cabot is perhaps best known for her "Princess Diaries" series, which has spawned multiple movies made by Disney. Other titles that she has penned include "The Bride Wore Size 12," "Remembrance," and "Black Canary: Ignite." Cabot also maintains a lively blog on her author website, filled with updates on her work and her life.
Cabot also maintains a lively blog on her author website, filled with updates on her work and her life.
In the #2 spot is M J Mallon, who writes in the genres of young adult fantasy, paranormal, horror, and micro poetry. Mallon is also an avid reviewer of books on her personal blog and on Goodreads; outside of writing, she enjoys photography, traveling, alternative therapies, and superheroes.
Some of her works include "The Curse of Time," the first book in the "Bloodstone" series, and "Scrabble Boy," a short story that appears in the "Nightmareland" anthology. Mallon also posts frequently on her blog, which covers a wide range of topics, from self-publishing help to interviews with characters from her fiction.
At #3 is Jessica Verdi. A lifelong bookworm, this New Yorker received her MFA in Writing for Children from The New School. She writes novels for young people that confront issues around identity, love, acceptance, and family.
A lifelong bookworm, this New Yorker received her MFA in Writing for Children from The New School.
Verdi's books take readers on emotional journeys. "My Life After Now," for example, focuses on a protagonist who has recently been diagnosed with HIV, while "What You Left Behind" follows a widowed single father trying to navigate his senior year of high school while being a parent. Verdi also works as a freelance editor and posts news of her writing and life on her blog.
Coming in at #4 is Leigh Goff. Fueled by caffeine and the lure of fate and magical spells, this author from Annapolis writes young adult fiction and fantasy books, and is a descendant of Elizabeth Duncan, a Virginia woman accused of witchcraft in the 17th century.
Goff's first book, "Disenchanted," tells the story of a young woman who must contend with a centuries-old curse, a dark family history, and the difficulty of falling in love. Her second book, "Bewitching Hannah," centers on a young witch as she accepts her own magical powers. Goff also makes occasional appearances at readings and literary festivals.
Goff also makes occasional appearances at readings and literary festivals.
At #5 is Diana Rodriguez Wallach. A graduate of Boston University, she turned to writing fiction after a visit with a psychic in Salem, Massachusetts, who predicted she would write children's books.
Rodriguez Wallach has penned novels in a few different genres, including young adult fiction and spy/thriller. Her short story collection "Mirror, Mirror" offers a re-telling of the myths of Narcissus and Nemesis. In addition to writing, she runs workshops and gives assembly-style presentations.
In the #6 spot is Megan Crewe. This Canadian author living in Toronto writes speculative fiction for young adults, in a number of different realms, from urban fantasy to supernatural thriller. Her books have been nominated for several awards.
This Canadian author living in Toronto writes speculative fiction for young adults, in a number of different realms, from urban fantasy to supernatural thriller.
Crewe's debut, "Give Up the Ghost," is a supernatural coming-of-age story that tackles issues around bullying, while "Beast" examines the changing dynamic between two friends after one is attacked in the woods. Outside of writing, Crewe enjoys traveling, and she makes appearances at schools and libraries.
At #7 is Aminah Mae Safi. Based in Los Angeles, this Muslim-American author writes stories brimming with art, feminism, film, and emotion. Her debut novel, "Not The Girls You're Looking For," charts the trials and tribulations of a young woman at a Texas prep school.
Other titles include "Tell Me How You Really Feel" and "This Is All Your Fault." Her shorter works have also received attention, with one piece winning the We Need Diverse Books short story contest. Furthermore, she keeps in touch with her fans through an online newsletter.
Her shorter works have also received attention, with one piece winning the We Need Diverse Books short story contest.
Last but not least, at #8 is Kip Wilson. Having earned a Ph.D. in German literature, Wilson works as a writer and an editor. Her debut novel, "The White Rose," won numerous awards and received praise from a number of critics.
In addition to her novel, Wilson has published several short stories and essays. She also maintains an active blog, appears on panels and at festivals, and leads workshops that cover topics like verse and historical fiction.
