Picture a storyteller who spun a tale of love and self-discovery so vivid it became a New York Times bestseller—meet Alyson Derrick! This American author has taken the Young Adult romance scene by storm, crafting stories that tug at heartstrings and celebrate diversity. With her knack for creating relatable characters and emotionally charged narratives, Derrick is a rising star you’ll want to know.
The Making of Alyson Derrick
Born and raised in Greenville, Pennsylvania, a small town where burn barrels stood in for recycling bins, Alyson Derrick grew up in a conservative, Catholic community. As a Korean-American and queer woman, her experiences in this rural setting shaped her storytelling. After escaping to Pittsburgh, where she earned a bachelor’s in English writing, Derrick ran a food truck before realizing her true passion lay in weaving tales, not slinging cheesesteaks. This pivot to writing launched her into the literary world, where her unique voice quickly found a home.
Alyson Derrick’s Unforgettable Stories
Derrick’s debut, She Gets the Girl (2022), co-authored with her wife, Rachael Lippincott, is a heartwarming sapphic rom-com. The story follows Alex and Molly, two college freshmen from different worlds who team up to navigate love and self-discovery, only to fall for each other. Its slow-burn romance and witty dialogue made it a New York Times bestseller, captivating readers with its authenticity.
Her solo debut, Forget Me Not (2023), is a poignant tale of love and memory. Stevie, a Korean-American teen, loses two years of memories—including her secret romance with Nora—after a tragic accident. Set in a conservative town, the novel explores queerness, racism, and resilience, earning a longlist spot for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. Derrick’s ability to blend heart-wrenching drama with hope shines through.
In 2024, Derrick and Lippincott released Make My Wish Come True, a holiday romance delving into unrequited love and friends-to-lovers tropes. Her stories, often inspired by her own life, champion queer and Asian-American identities, wrapped in immersive, emotional narratives that keep readers hooked.
Why Alyson Derrick Matters
Alyson Derrick’s work is a beacon for young readers, especially those navigating their identities in challenging environments. Her stories offer representation for queer and Asian-American teens, showing them they’re not alone. By tackling themes like homophobia, racism, and self-acceptance, Derrick creates safe spaces within her pages, empowering readers to embrace their truths. Her growing influence in Young Adult literature signals a bright future, inspiring both readers and aspiring writers to tell their own stories.
About Alyson Derrick
- Born: Greenville, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: She Gets the Girl (2022), Forget Me Not (2023), Make My Wish Come True (2024)
- Awards: Forget Me Not longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature (2023)
- Fun Fact: She lives in Pennsylvania with her wife, daughters, and dog, Hank.
Ready to fall in love with Alyson Derrick’s storytelling? Snag Forget Me Not or She Gets the Girl and dive into her heartfelt world of Young Adult romance!