Picture a vibrant American storyteller who penned her first novel at just 15—meet Kelly McWilliams! This mixed-race Young Adult author weaves tales that blend fantasy, faith, and identity with a fearless edge. From her debut Doormat to the gripping Agnes at the End of the World, McWilliams crafts stories that resonate with teens and adults alike, tackling big questions with heart and grit.
Born in Rockville, Maryland, and now calling Seattle home, McWilliams grew up surrounded by books and the influence of her mother, acclaimed author Jewell Parker Rhodes. Her unique perspective and bold storytelling have made her a rising star in YA fiction, captivating readers with worlds that feel both fantastical and deeply human.
The Making of Kelly McWilliams
Kelly McWilliams’s love for storytelling sparked early, fueled by a childhood steeped in literature and her mother’s writerly world. Growing up in Arizona, she was fascinated by the power of stories to explore identity and challenge norms. By eighth grade, she was crafting characters for what would become Doormat, her debut novel published at 15. A graduate of Walnut Hill School for the Arts and Brown University, McWilliams honed her craft with a mentorship from We Need Diverse Books, shaping her voice as a writer who crosses boundaries.
Kelly McWilliams’s Unforgettable Stories
McWilliams’s novels are a masterclass in blending genres with emotional depth. Her debut, Doormat (2004), follows 14-year-old Jaime as she navigates friendship and teen pregnancy, earning praise as a Junior Library Guild selection. Agnes at the End of the World (2020) is a genre-defying tale of a girl escaping a cult during a viral apocalypse, inspired by McWilliams’s fascination with faith and fear. It was a finalist for the Golden Kite Award, lauded for its spiritual depth.
Mirror Girls (2022), a Target YA Book Club Pick, blends historical fiction and horror, telling the story of biracial twin sisters separated at birth during the Civil Rights era. Your Plantation Prom Is Not Okay (2023) tackles racism and cancel culture with sharp wit, earning starred reviews for its bold commentary. McWilliams’s style—vivid, thought-provoking, and unafraid—explores themes of identity, resistance, and the legacy of history, making her work a beacon for diverse YA voices.
Why Kelly McWilliams Matters
Kelly McWilliams’s impact lies in her ability to weave complex social issues into compelling narratives that resonate with young readers. Her focus on underrepresented topics like spirituality, racism, and identity empowers teens to question the world around them. Through mentorships and her work with outlets like TIME and Romper, she amplifies diverse voices, inspiring a new generation of writers and readers to embrace their stories.
Her novels don’t just entertain—they challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths, making her a vital voice in YA literature. As she continues to write, McWilliams is shaping the genre with stories that are as bold as they are beautiful.
- Birth Year: 1987
- Key Works: Doormat, Agnes at the End of the World, Mirror Girls, Your Plantation Prom Is Not Okay
- Awards: Golden Kite Award finalist for Agnes at the End of the World
Snag Mirror Girls or Agnes at the End of the World and dive into Kelly McWilliams’s thrilling blend of fantasy and heart! Her stories will leave you thinking long after the last page.