Author Spotlight: Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Rowell is A New York Times best selling author who writes predominately children’s and YA fiction. “She always writes about people who talk a lot. And people who feel like they’re screwing up. And people who fall in love” (rainbowrowell.com).

One of Rowell’s most beloved works is her 2016 novel, Carry On. The novel was met with such critical reception that the NY Times called it the “Book of the Year.” The story centers on Simon Snow – AKA the worst chosen one ever chosen. The novel is a “ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story – but far, far more monsters” (panmacmillan.com.au).

After a three-year long wait, the highly anticipated sequel, Wayward Son, will be available October 8. The book is for those who are curious about what happens to the hero after he saves the day. With “dragons, vampires, skunk-headed things with shotguns” Wayward Son promises to be a wild ride.

Rowell decided to gift the world twice over in 2019, with a graphic novel coming September 9. Pumpkinheads is a story for romantics. In her favourite setting (Omaha, Nebraska), Rowell introduces us to Deja and Josiah. These two high schoolers consider each other to be seasonal best friends. Every September they reunite to work in the worlds best pumpkin farm for the Autumn season. Rowell teamed up with graphic artist, Faith Erin Hicks to create Pumpkinheads – a story about learning how to leave behind people and places without any regrets. This moving graphic novel is perfect for both children and the YA audience as well as comic book fans.

With 2019 being the year of new Rainbow Rowell books, now is the time to cram in some YA reading with her other novels before her new ones come out! Fangirl is a beloved novel in the book community. Many young bookworms will relate to protagonist Cath and her anxiety around new places and people. Preferring to spend her time fangirling over her favourite books and writing fan fiction, Cath has to decide how to open up to love and life.

For lovers of short stories, Rowell’s book Almost Midnight features two of her previously published short stories, Midnights and Kindred Spirits. Almost Midnight is the perfect antidote for the easily distracted reader.

You can check out Rainbow Rowell’s books by clicking here.