Picture a Mexican-American storyteller who spins tales where roses bloom from wrists and moons hold secrets—meet Anna-Marie McLemore! This queer, nonbinary author has enchanted readers with their lyrical young adult novels, blending magical realism with vibrant cultural heritage. From their award-winning debut to their latest works, McLemore’s stories celebrate diverse identities and resonate with dreamers everywhere.
Born in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, McLemore grew up hearing whispers of la llorona in the Santa Ana winds, a cultural touchstone that infuses their work with haunting beauty. Their unique voice in young adult literature has earned them accolades and a devoted following, making them a standout in modern storytelling.
The Making of Anna-Marie McLemore
Raised in a Mexican-American family, Anna-Marie McLemore’s love for stories was sparked by family tales and the magical realism of Laura Esquivel’s Like Water for Chocolate. Despite struggling with dyslexia, they pursued both science and literature at the University of Southern California, thanks to a trustee scholarship. This blend of analytical and creative passions shapes their intricate narratives. Named a Lambda Literary Emerging Writer Fellow in 2011, McLemore debuted with The Weight of Feathers in 2015, launching a career that champions queer and Latinx voices.
Anna-Marie McLemore’s Unforgettable Stories
McLemore’s novels are a tapestry of magical realism, weaving Latinx folklore, queer romance, and themes of identity. Their debut, The Weight of Feathers, a finalist for the William C. Morris Debut Award, explores a feud between Mexican-American and Romani families, laced with black magic and forbidden love. When the Moon Was Ours, a Stonewall Honor Book and James Tiptree Jr. Award winner, tells a tender tale of a transgender Pakistani-American boy and a queer Latina, with roses and painted moons as enchanting backdrops.
Wild Beauty, a 2017 release, delves into a family of cursed women tending magical gardens, earning starred reviews for its lush prose. Blanca & Roja, a Latinx retelling of Swan Lake and Snow White, blends sisterhood and transformation, named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Novels. McLemore’s style—poetic, inclusive, and steeped in cultural heritage—creates worlds where marginalized voices shine, drawing inspiration from authors like Isabel Allende and Federico García Lorca.
Their later works, like Lakelore and Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix, continue to explore neurodiversity, nonbinary identities, and Latinx experiences. With each novel, McLemore crafts stories that feel like fairy tales but pulse with modern relevance, earning National Book Award longlist nods and critical acclaim.
Why Anna-Marie McLemore Matters
Anna-Marie McLemore’s impact on young adult literature is profound, offering representation for queer, Latinx, and neurodivergent readers. Their stories validate identities often sidelined in traditional narratives, creating safe spaces for teens to see themselves as heroes. By blending magical realism with cultural authenticity, McLemore bridges fantasy and reality, inspiring a new generation of writers and readers to embrace their heritage and truths.
Their awards, including the Stonewall Honor and Michael L. Printz Award for contributions to anthologies, underscore their influence. McLemore’s work challenges norms, celebrates diversity, and proves that magic exists in authenticity, making them a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Birthplace: San Gabriel Mountains, California
- Key Works: The Weight of Feathers, When the Moon Was Ours, Wild Beauty, Blanca & Roja
- Awards: Stonewall Honor, James Tiptree Jr. Award, Michael L. Printz Award (anthology)
Snag When the Moon Was Ours and dive into Anna-Marie McLemore’s magical realism today! Their stories are a spellbinding journey you won’t want to miss.