Picture a Pennsylvania storyteller who turned 400 rejection letters into a dazzling career of award-winning novels—meet A.S. King! Born Amy Sarig King in 1970, this trailblazing author has redefined young adult literature with her bold, unconventional narratives and magical realism. Her stories, often set in her home state, weave teenage struggles with adult perspectives, creating a bridge that resonates with readers of all ages.
King’s journey is as vibrant as her prose. From renovating a farm in Ireland to winning the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award twice, her life and work are a testament to perseverance and creativity. Let’s dive into the world of A.S. King, where surrealism meets raw emotion, and every page challenges the status quo.
The Making of A.S. King
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Amy Sarig King grew up with a knack for storytelling. After graduating from Exeter Township Senior High School in 1988, she earned a photography degree from The Art Institute of Philadelphia. In 1994, she moved to Dublin, Ireland, where she began writing novels. Two years later, she settled in Tipperary, living off the land and teaching adult literacy while honing her craft. Despite facing over 400 rejection letters, King persisted, returning to Pennsylvania in 2004 and publishing her debut novel, The Dust of 100 Dogs, in 2009.
A.S. King’s Unforgettable Stories
King’s novels are a kaleidoscope of magical realism, unconventional structures, and raw emotion. Her debut, The Dust of 100 Dogs, follows a 17th-century pirate reincarnated as a modern teen, blending adventure with surreal twists. Please Ignore Vera Dietz (2010), a Michael L. Printz Honor Book, tackles grief and betrayal through multiple perspectives and flow charts, earning praise for its innovative storytelling. Dig (2019), a Michael L. Printz Award winner, explores racism and family secrets with a fragmented narrative that critics called a 'surrealist masterpiece.' Most recently, Pick the Lock (2024) delivers a punk-infused tale of a girl uncovering her family’s lies, described as a 'primal scream' of originality.
King’s style is fearless, blending surrealism with real-world issues like bullying, mental health, and censorship. Her narratives often defy linear storytelling, using elements like shape-shifting rats or dream sequences to reflect the chaos of adolescence. This approach, paired with her focus on bridging teen and adult perspectives, has earned her a loyal following and critical acclaim, including the 2022 Margaret A. Edwards Award for her lasting contribution to young adult literature.
Why A.S. King Matters
A.S. King’s impact on young adult literature is profound. Her willingness to tackle complex themes through experimental storytelling has expanded the genre’s boundaries, inviting readers to question societal norms and embrace their own resilience. As a two-time Michael L. Printz Award winner and the first author to win for an anthology (The Collectors: Stories, 2024), King has cemented her status as a literary innovator. Her work inspires teens and adults alike to confront uncomfortable truths with courage and empathy.
King’s journey from rejection to recognition also serves as a beacon for aspiring writers. Her novels, often set in Pennsylvania, reflect her deep connection to her roots while addressing universal struggles, making her a voice for the misunderstood and the rebellious. Her advocacy for mental health and intellectual freedom, seen in works like Attack of the Black Rectangles, further amplifies her influence.
- Born: March 10, 1970, Reading, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: The Dust of 100 Dogs, Please Ignore Vera Dietz, Dig, Pick the Lock
- Awards: Michael L. Printz Award (2020, 2024), Margaret A. Edwards Award (2022), Los Angeles Times Book Prize (2012)
Snag Dig or Pick the Lock and dive into A.S. King’s wild, thought-provoking world of magical realism and rebellion!