Picture a Brooklyn storyteller who weaves heartbreak and hope into unforgettable young adult tales—meet Ashley Woodfolk! A bestselling author of contemporary YA fiction, Woodfolk burst onto the scene with her critically acclaimed debut, The Beauty That Remains, in 2018. Her stories, rich with emotional depth and diverse characters, capture the messy, beautiful realities of teenage life, making her a beloved voice for young readers seeking representation and understanding.
With a knack for crafting narratives that feel like a heart-to-heart with a best friend, Woodfolk draws from her own experiences to create stories that resonate. From grief to queer love to the sting of lost friendships, her work is a beacon for those navigating life’s toughest moments. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this vibrant author!
The Making of Ashley Woodfolk
Born and raised with a lifelong love for books, Ashley Woodfolk graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in English. Her passion for storytelling began early, penning poetry and stories as a child, inspired by the angst and triumphs of her teenage years. A scoliosis diagnosis in middle school fueled her early poetry, and authors like Sarah Dessen shaped her desire to write contemporary YA with Black leads. After college, Woodfolk dove into children’s book publishing, working in marketing for over a decade while writing her novels on weekends and evenings. Now a full-time mom and writer, she lives in a sunny Brooklyn apartment with her husband, son, and pitbull, Winnie.
Ashley Woodfolk’s Unforgettable Stories
Woodfolk’s debut, The Beauty That Remains (2018), is a poignant tale of three teens finding solace after loss, blending music, friendship, and grief. Critics praised its introspective depth, with School Library Journal calling it a “lovely coming-of-age novel.” Her follow-up, When You Were Everything (2020), explores the heartbreak of a friendship breakup, alternating between past and present to unpack love and forgiveness. Nothing Burns as Bright as You (2022) is her boldest work yet, a queer love story told in lyrical prose, capturing the fiery intensity of two girls’ relationship.
Woodfolk also shines in collaborative works like Blackout (2021), co-authored with luminaries like Angie Thomas and Nicola Yoon, weaving six stories of Black teen love during a New York City power outage. Her Flyy Girls series, starting with Lux: The New Girl (2020), follows four Harlem teens navigating friendship and identity. Her style—lyrical, emotionally raw, and deeply empathetic—makes her books a haven for readers craving authentic representation.
Why Ashley Woodfolk Matters
Ashley Woodfolk’s impact on YA literature is profound. Her stories amplify Black and queer voices, offering mirrors for readers who rarely see themselves in books. Through her work on the CBC Diversity Committee, she champions inclusivity in publishing, ensuring more stories reach those who need them. Her novels tackle heavy themes with grace, helping teens process grief, love, and identity. Woodfolk’s vulnerability, especially in exploring her own queerness through fiction, inspires readers to embrace their truths.
Her influence extends beyond the page, fostering a community of readers who feel seen and understood. By blending emotional honesty with diverse narratives, Woodfolk is shaping the future of YA fiction, one heartfelt story at a time.
- Born: United States
- Key Works: The Beauty That Remains, When You Were Everything, Nothing Burns as Bright as You, Blackout, Flyy Girls series
- Notable: Member of the CBC Diversity Committee
Ready to get lost in a story that hits all the feels? Snag Nothing Burns as Bright as You and dive into Ashley Woodfolk’s lyrical, heart-squeezing world!