Picture a Virginia-born storyteller who conjured a post-apocalyptic nightmare filled with queer rage and monstrous hope—meet Andrew Joseph White! This trans, autistic author has taken the Young Adult horror scene by storm, weaving tales that blend gut-churning gore with heartfelt representation. His debut, Hell Followed With Us, skyrocketed to New York Times bestseller status, proving he’s a force in contemporary literature.
With a knack for crafting complex, marginalized characters, White’s work resonates with readers craving stories that scream truth and defiance. His unique blend of horror, identity, and rebellion is reshaping YA fiction, making him a must-read for fans of thrilling, thought-provoking narratives.
The Making of Andrew Joseph White
Born and raised in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Andrew Joseph White was scribbling stories before he could even write properly, handing illegible pages to his parents with demands they read them aloud. A lifelong love for monsters—sparked by horror video games like Dead Space and creepy novels—fueled his imagination. White’s journey as a trans and autistic individual deeply informs his work, which he channels into tales of rage, survival, and identity. After graduating from George Mason University with an MFA in Creative Writing in 2022, he turned his passion into a career, debuting with a bang.
Andrew Joseph White’s Unforgettable Stories
White’s novels are a masterclass in blending visceral horror with poignant themes. His debut, Hell Followed With Us (2022), follows Benji, a trans teen escaping a doomsday cult while transforming into a monstrous creature. Critics praised its raw take on queer identity and religious trauma, earning it a William C. Morris Debut Award nomination. His sophomore novel, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth (2023), dives into a Victorian asylum where an autistic trans boy battles ghosts and societal oppression. It snagged a 2024 Stonewall Honor for its bold exploration of ableism and transphobia.
In 2024, Compound Fracture hit shelves, a West Virginia thriller about a trans teen facing class warfare and ancestral ghosts. Awarded a 2025 Printz Honor, it’s been hailed as a bloody love letter to Appalachian resilience. White’s upcoming adult debut, You Weren’t Meant to Be Human (2025), promises to tackle bodily autonomy with his signature intensity. His style—gritty, unflinching, and laced with hope—draws from his experiences, creating stories that feel both personal and universal.
Why Andrew Joseph White Matters
Andrew Joseph White isn’t just writing horror; he’s carving out space for queer, trans, and disabled voices in a genre that’s often overlooked them. His work tackles real-world issues like transphobic legislation and systemic ableism, offering readers a cathartic outlet for their own struggles. By centering marginalized characters who fight back with claws and fangs, White empowers a new generation to embrace their identities unapologetically. His influence extends beyond books, inspiring a wave of diverse YA horror that’s as fearless as it is heartfelt.
- Born: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
- Key Works: Hell Followed With Us, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth, Compound Fracture
- Awards: William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist, 2024 Stonewall Honor, 2025 Printz Honor
Snag Hell Followed With Us and dive into Andrew Joseph White’s thrilling, rebellious world of YA horror!