Picture a storyteller who weaves raw emotion and tough truths into tales that grip your heart—meet Amber Smith! This New York Times bestselling author of young adult fiction has carved a niche with her poignant novels that tackle heavy issues like trauma, identity, and resilience. With a background in visual arts and a passion for sparking change, Smith’s stories resonate with teens and adults alike, making her a standout voice in contemporary YA literature.
From her debut novel to her heartwarming middle-grade adventure, Smith’s work invites readers to face the messy, beautiful parts of growing up. Let’s dive into her journey, her unforgettable books, and why she’s a must-read for anyone who loves stories that hit deep.
The Making of Amber Smith
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Amber Smith grew up with a love for art and storytelling. She earned a BFA in Painting and a Master’s in Art History, spending years as an art curator at The Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina. This creative foundation shaped her writing, blending vivid imagery with emotional depth. After moving to Charlotte in 2009, Smith began crafting fiction, inspired by artists’ stories and her own experiences. Her transition from curator to author wasn’t just a career shift—it was a calling to tell raw, human stories that matter.
Amber Smith’s Unforgettable Stories
Smith’s debut, The Way I Used to Be (2016), skyrocketed her to fame, becoming a New York Times bestseller. This gripping novel follows Eden, a teen navigating the aftermath of sexual assault, told across her high school years. Its raw honesty and focus on survival earned it accolades, including an Eliot Rosewater Award Honor and an ALA Amelia Bloomer List selection. The sequel, The Way I Am Now (2023), continues Eden’s journey, diving into healing and college romance with the same unflinching heart.
Her other YA novels, The Last to Let Go (2018) and Something Like Gravity (2019), explore domestic violence and LGBTQ+ identity, respectively. The Last to Let Go follows Brooke as she grapples with family dysfunction, earning starred reviews for its authenticity. Something Like Gravity weaves a tender romance between two teens healing from trauma, praised for its empathy and lyrical prose. Smith’s middle-grade debut, Code Name: Serendipity (2022), shifts to a lighter tone, telling the story of a girl and her telepathic dog—a nod to Smith’s love for animals.
Smith’s style is unflinchingly real, blending poetic prose with tough topics like mental health, gendered violence, and equality. Her characters feel like friends you root for, and her stories spark conversations about issues often left in the shadows. Whether it’s a YA novel or a middle-grade tale, Smith’s work is about finding strength in vulnerability.
Why Amber Smith Matters
Amber Smith’s impact on young adult literature lies in her courage to tackle taboo topics with grace and grit. Her novels don’t just entertain—they challenge readers to confront issues like sexual assault and domestic abuse, fostering empathy and dialogue. As an advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ equality, Smith uses her platform to amplify marginalized voices, making her books vital for today’s teens. Her contribution to the YA anthology Our Stories, Our Voices further cements her role as a changemaker, inspiring readers to feel seen and heard.
Smith’s blend of art and activism has earned her a loyal following and critical acclaim, from starred reviews to award nominations. Her upcoming novel, Fade into You (2025), co-written with her wife, Sam Gellar, promises to continue her legacy of heartfelt storytelling.
About Amber Smith
- Born in Buffalo, New York, now lives in Ithaca, New York.
- Key works: The Way I Used to Be, The Way I Am Now, Code Name: Serendipity.
- Awards: Eliot Rosewater Award Honor, ALA Amelia Bloomer List, Goodreads Choice Award nominee.
- Passion: Advocating for mental health, gendered violence awareness, and animal rescue.
Ready to feel all the feels? Snag The Way I Used to Be and dive into Amber Smith’s powerful YA world!