Picture a storyteller who weaves tales of identity, adventure, and heart—meet Cory McCarthy! This Arab American trans author and screenwriter has carved a vibrant niche in young adult literature, blending raw authenticity with captivating narratives. From their acclaimed 'B.E.S.T. World' series to the Stonewall Honor-winning Man o’ War, McCarthy’s work resonates with readers seeking diverse, heartfelt stories.
The Making of Cory McCarthy
Born with a storyteller’s spark, Cory McCarthy (he/they) grew up navigating their Irish and Arab American heritage in Ohio. Their love for writing bloomed in middle school, where poetry and memoir captured their imagination. After earning a BA in Creative Writing from Ohio University, a screenwriting certificate from UCLA, and an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts, McCarthy found their calling in young adult fiction. This winding path, fueled by endless ambition, shaped a voice that’s both bold and deeply personal.
Cory McCarthy’s Unforgettable Stories
McCarthy’s bibliography is a treasure trove of diverse genres and themes. Their 'B.E.S.T. World' series, starting with Ace Takes Flight, follows tweens with bionic augmentations battling corporate control in a near-futuristic world. The trilogy’s inclusive cast and thrilling stakes make it a standout in middle-grade sci-fi. Man o’ War, a Stonewall Honor Book, is a raw, hilarious coming-of-age tale about River McIntyre, an Arab American trans teen swimmer grappling with identity in small-town Ohio. McCarthy’s lyrical sci-fi debut, The Color of Rain, explores morality in a gritty dystopian setting, while Hope Is an Arrow, a picture book about Arab American poet Kahlil Gibran, celebrates cultural heritage. Their writing style—blending vivid prose, emotional depth, and intersectional representation—creates stories that linger.
Collaborations with spouse A.R. Capetta, like the bestselling Once & Future series, reimagine King Arthur as a queer teenage girl in a sci-fi fantasy epic. McCarthy’s ability to tackle heavy topics like transphobia, cultural assimilation, and self-discovery with humor and hope sets them apart. Their works, translated into multiple languages, have earned over twenty starred reviews and spots on best-of lists from Kirkus, Buzzfeed, and the Chicago Public Library.
Why Cory McCarthy Matters
Cory McCarthy’s impact on young adult literature is profound. As a trans, Arab American author, they bring authentic representation to characters often sidelined in mainstream fiction. Their stories empower queer and marginalized teens, offering mirrors for self-discovery and windows into diverse experiences. By teaching at Vermont College of Fine Arts and co-founding the Rainbow Writers Workshop, McCarthy nurtures the next generation of storytellers. Their advocacy for marginalized authors highlights industry challenges, pushing for a more inclusive publishing landscape.
- Key Works: 'B.E.S.T. World' series, Man o’ War, Once & Future, Hope Is an Arrow
- Awards: Stonewall Honor Book, Michael L. Printz Award contribution, Katherine Paterson Prize
- Fun Fact: McCarthy’s novel Breaking Sky is in development for a major motion picture.
Ready to dive into Cory McCarthy’s vibrant worlds? Grab Man o’ War or Ace Takes Flight and get swept away by their bold, heartfelt storytelling!