Picture a storyteller who spun tales of teenage pirates and reality TV teens with a surreal twist—meet A.S. King! Born Amy Sarig King in 1970, this American author has carved a unique niche in young adult fiction, blending psychological depth with imaginative storytelling. Her journey from renovating a farm in Ireland to winning prestigious awards like the Michael L. Printz is as captivating as her novels.
Known for tackling tough topics like mental health and identity with a surrealist flair, King’s books resonate with teens and adults alike. The New York Times Book Review calls her 'one of the best YA writers working today,' and her fans agree, drawn to her ability to make the ordinary extraordinary.
The Making of A.S. King
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Amy Sarig King grew up with a love for stories, though a discouraging teacher briefly steered her toward basketball. After earning a photography degree from The Art Institute of Philadelphia, she moved to Dublin, Ireland, in 1994, where she began writing novels. Two years later, she settled in Tipperary, renovating a farm and teaching adult literacy, experiences that shaped her grounded yet whimsical perspective. Returning to Pennsylvania in 2004, she published her debut novel, The Dust of 100 Dogs, in 2009 after fifteen years of honing her craft.
A.S. King’s Unforgettable Stories
King’s novels are a masterclass in blending contemporary issues with surreal elements. The Dust of 100 Dogs follows a 17th-century pirate cursed to live 100 lives as a dog before returning as a modern teen, weaving adventure with reincarnation. Please Ignore Vera Dietz, a Michael L. Printz Honor book, explores grief and friendship through a teen navigating her best friend’s death, earning praise for its raw emotion. Reality Boy dives into the psychological toll of reality TV fame, following Gerald, a teen judged by his childhood on screen, with a narrative that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful. Me and Marvin Gardens, her middle-grade debut, introduces a boy and a plastic-eating creature, tackling environmentalism with quirky charm.
King’s style is distinctly surrealist, often blurring reality and imagination to reflect the chaos of adolescence. Her characters grapple with bullying, trauma, and self-discovery, grounded in imperfect families that feel achingly real. Critics, like Andrew Harwell of HarperCollins, compare her to George Saunders for her unconventional storytelling that finds meaning in a 'totally crazy' world.
Why A.S. King Matters
A.S. King’s impact on young adult literature is profound, earning her the 2022 Margaret Edwards Award for her lasting contribution. As the only two-time Michael L. Printz Award winner for Dig (2019) and The Collectors: Stories (2023), she’s redefined YA fiction by pushing boundaries and advocating for mental health. Her nonprofit, Gracie’s House, founded in 2023 with her son, provides safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, honoring her late daughter. King’s school visits and workshops inspire readers to embrace emotions and resilience, making her a beacon for young adults navigating a complex world.
- Born: March 10, 1970, Reading, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: The Dust of 100 Dogs, Please Ignore Vera Dietz, Reality Boy, Me and Marvin Gardens
- Awards: Margaret Edwards Award (2022), Michael L. Printz Award (2019, 2023)
Snag Please Ignore Vera Dietz and dive into A.S. King’s surreal, heartfelt world of young adult fiction!