Picture a Long Island storyteller who weaves tales of friendship, loss, and self-discovery with the heart of a poet and the precision of a lawyer—meet Gae Polisner! This young adult author and family law attorney has crafted emotionally resonant novels that capture the messy beauty of growing up, earning her a devoted following among teens and adults alike.
With a knack for balancing her legal career with her literary passion, Polisner has published six novels by 2020, each one a testament to her ability to turn life’s complexities into stories that linger. Let’s dive into the world of Gae Polisner, where every page feels like a heartfelt conversation.
The Making of Gae Polisner
Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Gae Polisner was a word-loving child, her head always buried in books or scribbling stories by age eight. Her love for storytelling carried her through high school, though she never saw writing as a career. Instead, she pursued law, becoming a family law attorney and mediator. Yet, the creative spark never faded. After marrying and raising two sons, Polisner felt the pull to reconnect with her passion, writing late into the night while juggling motherhood and her legal practice.
Her shift to young adult fiction was inspired by her sons, as she struggled to find contemporary stories with strong male protagonists for them. This led her to craft her debut novel, The Pull of Gravity, marking the start of a remarkable literary journey that blends her legal precision with a deep empathy for the teenage experience.
Gae Polisner’s Unforgettable Stories
Polisner’s novels are known for their lyrical prose, authentic characters, and exploration of heavy yet hopeful themes. Her debut, The Pull of Gravity (2011), follows teens Nick and Jaycee on a whirlwind mission to honor a dying friend’s wish, weaving in themes of friendship and family with a nod to John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. Critics praised its quirky yet real characters and engaging plot.
The Memory of Things (2016) is a standout, set against the backdrop of 9/11. It alternates between two teens—Kyle, navigating the tragedy, and Hannah, a mysterious girl with amnesia—crafting a poignant tale of hope and connection. The novel won the 2019 Golden Archer Award and was lauded for its emotional depth. In Sight of Stars (2018) tackles mental health, earning a Booklist Starred Review for its raw portrayal of a teen’s recovery, while Jack Kerouac Is Dead to Me (2020) explores the fragility of female friendships with heartrending honesty.
Polisner’s style is both poetic and accessible, often diving into tough topics like grief, mental illness, and identity with a light touch that leaves readers hopeful. Her characters, flawed and relatable, navigate the messy transition from childhood to adulthood, making her books resonate across generations.
Why Gae Polisner Matters
Gae Polisner’s impact lies in her ability to give voice to teens grappling with life’s big questions. Her novels destigmatize mental health struggles and celebrate the power of human connection, offering readers a safe space to feel heard. Through school visits and social media, she connects with fans, sharing messages of hope and resilience that inspire young readers to embrace their imperfections.
Her dual career as an attorney and author also sets her apart, proving that passion can thrive alongside practicality. Polisner’s work continues to shape young adult literature, reminding us that stories can heal, uplift, and unite.
- Birthplace: Long Island, New York
- Key Works: The Pull of Gravity, The Memory of Things, In Sight of Stars, Jack Kerouac Is Dead to Me
- Awards: 2019 Golden Archer Award, 2018 Booklist Starred Review, 2018 AudioFile Earphones Award
Snag The Memory of Things and dive into Gae Polisner’s soulful young adult world—your heart will thank you!