Picture a storyteller who weaves the chaos of war into gripping tales of loyalty and survival—meet Amanda McCrina! Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, this young adult historical fiction author has carved a niche with her meticulously researched novels that plunge readers into the heart of conflict. With a knack for blending historical accuracy with the emotional turmoil of young protagonists, McCrina’s work resonates with teens and adults alike.
The Making of Amanda McCrina
Amanda McCrina’s journey to authorship began in Atlanta, where she was homeschooled through high school. Her passion for history and storytelling took root early, fueled by a love for J.R.R. Tolkien and World War II narratives. She earned a BA in History and Political Science from the University of West Georgia, which sharpened her ability to dissect complex historical events. After college, McCrina taught high school English and government in Madrid, Spain, for three years, an experience that broadened her perspective and enriched her writing. Now a bookseller in Franklin, Tennessee, she channels her love for stories into both her novels and her day job.
Amanda McCrina’s Unforgettable Stories
McCrina’s novels are a masterclass in historical fiction, blending taut pacing with deep moral questions. Her debut, Traitor (2020), set in 1944 Poland, follows Tolya, a half-Polish, half-Ukrainian Red Army sniper caught in a web of betrayal between Polish and Ukrainian factions. Critics, including Elizabeth Wein, praised its vivid insight into a lesser-known corner of World War II. The Silent Unseen (2022), a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, tracks Maria, a Polish teen searching for her brother amidst the war’s chaos, weaving suspense with a touch of romance. I’ll Tell You No Lies (2023), a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, shifts to 1955 America, where a teen girl grapples with Cold War espionage. McCrina also dabbles in political fantasy with the Cymeriad series, starting with His Own Good Sword (2012), and the Blood Oath series, beginning with Blood Road (2017), showcasing her versatility. Her style—gritty, empathetic, and unflinchingly honest—explores identity, loyalty, and the human cost of conflict.
McCrina’s strength lies in her research, which brings authenticity to settings like war-torn Galicia or post-war London. Her characters, often young and caught in impossible choices, reflect universal struggles, making her stories timeless. Whether it’s the explosive action of Traitor or the quiet devastation of The Silent Unseen, her work keeps readers on edge.
Why Amanda McCrina Matters
Amanda McCrina’s impact lies in her ability to illuminate forgotten histories, particularly the fraught Polish-Ukrainian tensions during World War II. Her novels don’t shy away from the messiness of war, offering teens a lens to grapple with complex issues like prejudice and betrayal. By centering young voices in turbulent times, she empowers readers to question loyalties and seek empathy. As a bookseller and historian, McCrina bridges past and present, making history feel urgent and alive.
- Born: Atlanta, Georgia
- Key Works: Traitor, The Silent Unseen, I’ll Tell You No Lies, His Own Good Sword, Blood Road
- Awards: The Silent Unseen (School Library Journal Best Book of 2022), I’ll Tell You No Lies (Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection)
- Fun Fact: McCrina started Traitor as a high school history assignment!
Ready to dive into a world of heart-pounding history? Grab Traitor or The Silent Unseen and let Amanda McCrina’s gripping tales sweep you away!