Picture an African-American poet whose lyrical words weave stories of grief, identity, and healing—meet Amber McBride! With her debut novel-in-verse, Me (Moth), she burst onto the young adult fiction scene, captivating readers with poetic prose and authentic voices. Her work, rooted in personal experiences and cultural traditions like Hoodoo, offers a fresh perspective on resilience and belonging.
Amber McBride isn’t just a writer; she’s a storyteller who draws from her rich heritage and life’s twists to craft narratives that resonate. From her early poetry to her award-winning novels, she’s become a voice for marginalized communities, blending magic and raw emotion in a way that feels like a warm hug and a wake-up call all at once.
The Making of Amber McBride
Born into a military family with roots in Charlottesville, Virginia, Amber McBride grew up surrounded by stories. Her family’s oral storytelling tradition, a cornerstone of her African-American heritage, sparked her love for words. She wrote her first book in fifth grade, hinting at the creative force she’d become. Initially a pre-med student at James Madison University, a car accident shifted her path to creative writing, leading to a BA in English and an MFA in poetry from Emerson College. Her time as a media assistant at the Furious Flower Poetry Center, honoring African-American poets, deepened her commitment to amplifying diverse voices.
Amber McBride’s Unforgettable Stories
McBride’s debut, Me (Moth) (2021), is a young adult novel-in-verse that follows Moth, a teen grappling with the loss of her family. Infused with Hoodoo and Navajo traditions, the story explores identity and healing through a road trip across the U.S. Its lyrical structure, mirroring a moth’s life cycle, earned it a National Book Award finalist spot and the 2022 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Her second novel, We Are All So Good at Smiling (2022), tackles clinical depression with magical realism, inspired by McBride’s own struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, she ventured into middle-grade fiction with Gone Wolf, a dual-timeline tale of two Black girls navigating trauma and dystopian futures. Her poetry collection, Thick with Trouble, and the anthology Poemhood: Our Black Revival showcase her versatility, blending folklore and raw emotion.
McBride’s style is a dance of sparse, poetic language and deep cultural roots. She weaves Hoodoo, magic, and ancestral wisdom into her narratives, creating stories that feel both timeless and urgent. Her focus on mental health, grief, and marginalized identities makes her work a beacon for young readers seeking representation and hope.
Why Amber McBride Matters
Amber McBride’s impact lies in her ability to give voice to the unseen. Her stories validate the experiences of Black and Indigenous youth, offering mirrors for those who rarely see themselves in literature. As a professor at the University of Virginia, she inspires students to embrace their own narratives, fostering empathy and creativity. Her awards and critical acclaim highlight her role as a rising star in young adult and middle-grade fiction, while her poetry continues to push boundaries, celebrating Black womanhood and resilience.
- Key Works: Me (Moth), We Are All So Good at Smiling, Gone Wolf, Thick with Trouble
- Awards: 2022 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award, National Book Award Finalist (2021)
- Current Role: Professor of Creative Writing, University of Virginia
Ready to fall in love with Amber McBride’s lyrical magic? Grab Me (Moth) and dive into her world of poetry, healing, and heart!