Picture a young New Yorker spinning stories that tackle tough topics with heart and humor—meet Camryn Garrett! At just 19, this prodigious author burst onto the young adult (YA) scene with her debut novel, Full Disclosure, a bold exploration of an HIV-positive teen’s journey. Garrett’s work blends raw honesty, diverse voices, and a knack for capturing the messy beauty of adolescence, making her a standout in YA literature.
Born and raised in New York, Garrett’s storytelling is as vibrant as her city. Her ability to weave personal experiences into universal themes has earned her accolades, from Teen Vogue’s 21 Under 21 to a Glamour College Woman of the Year nod. With a filmmaker’s eye and a writer’s soul, she’s redefining what it means to tell inclusive stories for today’s teens.
The Making of Camryn Garrett
Growing up in New York, Camryn Garrett was a bookworm with a passion for stories. Her dad’s bookstore trips fueled her love for authors like Shannon Hale and Rick Riordan. By 13, she was a TIME for Kids reporter, interviewing icons like Warren Buffett and Kristen Bell. This early dive into journalism sharpened her voice and sparked her advocacy for diverse narratives. Fanfiction was her first creative outlet, but Twilight author Stephenie Meyer’s advice to write original stories set her on the path to novels.
At 15, Garrett penned her first manuscript, though publishers passed, citing similarities to Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give. Undeterred, she wrote Full Disclosure during National Novel Writing Month in 2016, driven by a desire to explore HIV’s impact on Black and queer communities. Her persistence paid off, landing her a deal with Knopf Books for Young Readers.
Camryn Garrett’s Unforgettable Stories
Garrett’s novels are bold, heartfelt, and unapologetically real, tackling taboo topics with a sex-positive lens. Full Disclosure (2019) follows Simone Garcia-Hampton, a Black, bisexual teen with HIV navigating love and stigma. Praised by Angie Thomas and Becky Albertalli, it’s a vibrant, theater-kid-infused story that challenges stereotypes and celebrates resilience.
Off the Record (2021) dives into the #MeToo movement through Josie, a Black journalist uncovering Hollywood’s dark secrets. Garrett’s own anxiety informs Josie’s inner monologue, creating a raw, relatable portrait of courage. The novel tackles fatphobia, sexual harassment, and the power of speaking out, earning three starred reviews. Friday I’m in Love (2023), her first rom-com, is a joyful ode to Black queer love, following Mahalia’s coming-out journey with humor and heart. An IndieNext Pick, it showcases Garrett’s versatility.
Her style blends witty dialogue, diverse casts, and unflinching honesty. Drawing from her journalism and NYU film studies, Garrett crafts cinematic scenes that resonate with teens seeking representation. Her focus on Black, queer, and fat characters fills gaps in YA, offering mirrors for marginalized readers.
Why Camryn Garrett Matters
Camryn Garrett is a trailblazer in YA literature, amplifying voices often sidelined in publishing. Her work confronts HIV stigma, sexual harassment, and body image with empathy, empowering teens to embrace their identities. As a young Black author, she challenges the industry’s white-dominated narratives, advocating for stories about ‘normal’ Black experiences. Her novels spark conversations in classrooms and libraries, fostering empathy and awareness.
Garrett’s impact extends beyond books. As a filmmaker and activist, she champions diverse storytellers, inspiring a new generation of creators. Her ability to write from personal experience while crafting universal stories makes her a vital voice in shaping YA’s future.
- Born: 2000, New York
- Key Works: Full Disclosure, Off the Record, Friday I’m in Love
- Awards: Teen Vogue’s 21 Under 21 (2019), Glamour College Woman of the Year (2019)
Snag Full Disclosure or Friday I’m in Love and dive into Camryn Garrett’s bold, beautiful world of YA storytelling!