Picture an American storyteller who weaves tales that blur the line between reality and imagination—meet Francesca Zappia! This young adult author from Indiana crafts novels that dive deep into the teenage psyche, tackling mental illness with empathy and wit. Known for her gripping debut, Made You Up, Zappia’s stories resonate with readers who crave authentic, heartfelt narratives.
With a knack for creating quirky characters and immersive worlds, Zappia has carved a unique space in YA literature. Her work doesn’t shy away from tough topics like schizophrenia or social anxiety, making her a beloved voice for teens and adults alike. Let’s explore the journey of this award-winning author and why her stories leave such a lasting impression.
The Making of Francesca Zappia
Born and raised in Indiana, Francesca Zappia’s storytelling spark ignited at age eight, inspired by her family, friends, and the magic of the Harry Potter series. She initially told stories through drawings but soon found words to be her true medium. A graduate of the University of Indianapolis with a bachelor’s in Computer Science and an MBA, Zappia balances her tech career with her passion for writing. Her time as a tech support specialist at her alma mater fueled her discipline, allowing her to publish her first novel, Made You Up, just two weeks after graduating in 2015.
Francesca Zappia’s Unforgettable Stories
Zappia’s debut, Made You Up, follows Alex, a high school senior battling schizophrenia, as she navigates reality and delusion with a camera, a Magic 8-Ball, and fierce determination. The novel’s blend of humor, mystery, and raw emotion earned praise for its authentic portrayal of mental illness. Her sophomore novel, Eliza and Her Monsters, dives into the life of Eliza Mirk, a shy teen who thrives online as the creator of a popular webcomic. This heartfelt story explores social anxiety, fandom, and the courage to be oneself, earning a spot as a Kirkus Best Teen Book of 2017.
Zappia’s versatility shines in works like Now Entering Addamsville, a spooky YA mystery with a Scooby-Doo vibe, and Greymist Fair, a magical murder-mystery inspired by the Brothers Grimm. Her writing style is campy, weird, and deeply human, often weaving mental health themes with a “Scooby Gang” aesthetic of friendship and support. Whether it’s a haunting fairy tale or a witty contemporary, Zappia’s stories invite readers to embrace their quirks and face their fears.
Why Francesca Zappia Matters
Francesca Zappia’s impact lies in her ability to portray mental illness with sensitivity and hope. Her novels offer representation for teens grappling with their own struggles, encouraging them to seek support and be kinder to themselves. By blending humor, heart, and a touch of weirdness, she creates stories that resonate across generations. Recognized as the 2017 Emerging Author at the Indiana Authors Awards, Zappia continues to inspire aspiring writers to tell stories that matter.
Her work also elevates YA literature by tackling complex themes with accessibility and charm. Readers connect with her characters’ vulnerabilities, finding solace in their journeys. Zappia’s unique voice—equal parts playful and profound—ensures her stories linger long after the final page.
About Francesca Zappia
- Born: Indiana, USA
- Key Works: Made You Up (2015), Eliza and Her Monsters (2017), Now Entering Addamsville (2019), Greymist Fair (2022)
- Awards: 2017 Emerging Author, Indiana Authors Awards; Kirkus Best Teen Book of 2017 for Eliza and Her Monsters
- Hobbies: Baking, playing video games, watching terrible movies
Snag Made You Up or Eliza and Her Monsters and dive into Francesca Zappia’s quirky, heartfelt world of YA fiction!