Picture a California dreamer who spun tales from graveyards to Antarctic ice—meet Jennifer Longo! This San Francisco native turned Seattle-based author crafts young adult novels that blend humor, heart, and unforgettable settings. With a knack for capturing teen voices, Longo’s stories resonate with readers navigating life’s big questions, making her a standout in contemporary YA literature.
From her early days as a ballerina and playwright to her award-winning novels, Longo’s journey is as vibrant as her characters. Her ability to transform personal experiences into poignant narratives has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this captivating storyteller.
The Making of Jennifer Longo
Born and raised in San Francisco, Jennifer Longo’s creative roots run deep. A former ballerina from ages 8 to 18, she traded pointe shoes for the stage, earning a BA in Acting from San Francisco State University and an MFA in Writing for Theatre from Humboldt State University. Her playwriting earned accolades, including a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Best Full Length Script honor for her play, Frozen. Longo’s diverse path—acting, working at San Francisco’s Magic Theatre, and even a stint as an elementary school librarian—shaped her storytelling. When her daughter started kindergarten, Longo seized the moment to adapt her play into her debut novel, marking her shift to YA fiction.
Jennifer Longo’s Unforgettable Stories
Longo’s novels are a masterclass in blending quirky settings with emotional depth. Her debut, Six Feet Over It (2014), follows Leigh, a teen working in her family’s cemetery, grappling with loss and independence. Hailed as “superb” by Kirkus, it earned starred reviews and a 2015 Washington State Book Award finalist spot. Up to This Pointe (2016) transports readers to Antarctica, where ballerina Harper confronts failure and resilience, inspired by Longo’s obsession with the continent’s stark beauty. The novel’s starred reviews and Indies Next title status cemented her reputation.
Her third novel, What I Carry (2020), is a heartfelt exploration of foster care, following Muiriel, a teen nearing emancipation. Written for Longo’s adopted daughter, the book tackles misconceptions about foster youth with nuance, earning the 2021 Washington State Book Award and 2022 Iowa All Reads Book Award. Longo’s style—witty, warm, and unflinchingly honest—brings teen struggles to life, often weaving humor into heavy themes like grief, identity, and belonging.
Currently, Longo is crafting two new novels, promising more stories that balance hope and heartache. Her ability to create authentic, relatable characters keeps readers hooked, while her theatrical background infuses her prose with vivid dialogue and pacing.
Why Jennifer Longo Matters
Jennifer Longo’s impact lies in her ability to give voice to teens facing unique challenges. Her novels tackle tough topics—foster care, loss, and failure—with sensitivity and humor, offering readers both escape and reflection. By drawing from her own life, including her experience as an adoptive mother, Longo challenges stereotypes and fosters empathy. Her work has been celebrated by librarians and educators, with What I Carry landing on the 2021 YALSA Top Ten YA Novel list and inspiring classroom discussions.
Longo’s commitment to libraries, evident in her Library Sciences certificate and volunteer work, underscores her belief in stories as community builders. Her novels encourage young readers to embrace their resilience, making her a vital voice in YA literature.
- Born: San Francisco, California
- Key Works: Six Feet Over It (2014), Up to This Pointe (2016), What I Carry (2020)
- Awards: 2021 Washington State Book Award, 2022 Iowa All Reads Book Award for What I Carry
- Fun Fact: Longo’s love for Antarctica inspired Up to This Pointe!
Ready to explore Jennifer Longo’s heartfelt worlds? Grab What I Carry and dive into her witty, soulful YA adventures!