Picture a storyteller from the sun-soaked streets of Arizona who spun tales of fierce teens, zombies, and body positivity—meet Kelly deVos! This American author has taken the Young Adult thriller scene by storm with her sharp wit and heart-pounding narratives. Since her breakout debut, Fat Girl on a Plane, deVos has captivated readers worldwide, blending humor, horror, and heartfelt commentary on issues like fatphobia and societal pressures.
With a knack for crafting three-dimensional characters who leap off the page, deVos’s stories aren’t just thrilling—they’re relatable, authentic, and unapologetically bold. Let’s dive into the world of Kelly deVos, where every book is a rollercoaster of emotions and empowerment.
The Making of Kelly deVos
Born on November 3 in Phoenix, Arizona, Kelly deVos grew up with a passion for storytelling that would shape her future. Armed with a B.A. in Creative Writing from Arizona State University, she honed her craft, drawing inspiration from her love of literature and her knack for witty dialogue. Living in Gilbert, Arizona, with her high school sweetheart husband, teen daughter, and superhero dog, Cocoa, deVos’s life is as vibrant as her stories. Her early love for reading fueled her desire to write for young adults, creating narratives that resonate with teens navigating their own coming-of-age journeys.
Kelly deVos’s Unforgettable Stories
DeVos burst onto the YA scene in 2018 with Fat Girl on a Plane, a standalone novel that blends comedy and drama. Following Cookie Vonn, an aspiring fashion designer tackling fatphobia, the book was named one of Reader’s Digest’s “50 Best Summer Reads of All Time.” Its sharp commentary and relatable protagonist set the tone for deVos’s signature style: bold, authentic, and fiercely empowering.
In 2019, deVos launched the Day Zero Duology, a dystopian thriller series that follows coder Jinx Marshall and her stepsister MacKenna as they navigate a chaotic world. Praised for its prescient take on political climates, the duology (Day Zero and Day One) showcases deVos’s ability to weave action with thoughtful social critique. Her 2021 novel, Eat Your Heart Out, is a satirical zombie thriller set at a weight-loss camp, earning a starred review from ALA Booklist for its blend of humor, horror, and body positivity. Most recently, Go Hunt Me (2022) channels Dracula-inspired chills, following seven horror buffs on a deadly trip to a Romanian castle.
DeVos’s writing is a masterclass in blending genres—think Shaun of the Dead meets Dumplin’. Her stories tackle heavy topics like diet culture and societal expectations with a light, satirical touch, making them both entertaining and impactful. Her characters, often fierce and flawed, resonate with readers for their authenticity and resilience.
Why Kelly deVos Matters
Kelly deVos is more than a YA author—she’s a voice for change. Her work champions body positivity and fat representation, challenging stereotypes and empowering readers to embrace their authentic selves. By tackling issues like fatphobia and political division, she sparks conversations that resonate beyond the page. Her books have earned accolades, including a Georgia Peach Book Award nomination for Eat Your Heart Out, and her influence continues to grow as readers worldwide connect with her empowering narratives.
- Born: November 3, Phoenix, Arizona
- Key Works: Fat Girl on a Plane, Day Zero Duology, Eat Your Heart Out, Go Hunt Me
- Awards: Georgia Peach Book Award nominee, TASHYA State Board Reading List
Ready to join the Kelly deVos fan club? Snag Eat Your Heart Out for a thrilling blend of zombies and empowerment, and dive into her unforgettable YA adventures!