Picture a small-town Kentucky teenager spinning stories that would captivate readers worldwide—meet Kody Keplinger! This New York Times bestselling author burst onto the young adult scene with her debut novel, The DUFF, written at just 17. Known for her witty, authentic tales tackling love, identity, and tough truths, Keplinger’s work has charmed teens and inspired a hit movie.
Now based in New York City, she writes, teaches, and advocates for diversity in literature, all while proving you’re never too young to chase big dreams. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable storyteller!
The Making of Kody Keplinger
Born on August 8, 1991, in Owensboro, Kentucky, Kody Keplinger grew up in a rural town where storytelling became her escape. Legally blind due to Leber congenital amaurosis, she found solace in words, typing tales on an old typewriter as a child. By high school, her passion for writing fan fiction and novels blossomed. At 17, she penned The DUFF during her senior year at McLean County High School, a bold move that landed her a publishing deal and a literary agent—shocking them when they learned her age!
Kody Keplinger’s Unforgettable Stories
Keplinger’s young adult novels are celebrated for their humor, heart, and unflinching honesty. The DUFF (2010), short for Designated Ugly Fat Friend, follows cynical Bianca Piper navigating self-esteem and romance. Its raw take on body image and high school dynamics earned it a spot as a YALSA Top Ten Quick Pick and a 2015 film adaptation. Shut Out (2011) reimagines a battle-of-the-sexes with a feminist twist, while A Midsummer’s Nightmare (2012) explores family drama and redemption.
Her later work, That’s Not What Happened (2018), tackles the aftermath of a school shooting, blending empathy with tough questions about truth and memory. Keplinger also ventured into middle grade with The Swift Boys & Me (2014), a tender story of friendship and change, and co-wrote the graphic novel Poison Ivy: Thorns (2021), reimagining the DC antihero with gothic flair. Her conversational style and focus on complex characters make her stories resonate deeply with teens.
Whether she’s writing about love, loss, or identity, Keplinger infuses her work with authenticity, drawing from her own experiences as a queer, visually impaired woman. Her commitment to diverse representation shines through, especially in her advocacy via Disability in KidLit, a platform she co-founded.
Why Kody Keplinger Matters
Kody Keplinger’s impact on young adult fiction lies in her ability to blend humor with hard-hitting themes, creating stories that feel like chats with a trusted friend. Her books empower teens to embrace their flaws and question societal labels, from body image to survivor narratives. As a teacher at Gotham Writers Workshop, she inspires aspiring authors, sharing her journey from a Kentucky teen to a literary star.
Her advocacy for disability and LGBTQ+ representation has also left a mark, making literature more inclusive. By showing that young voices matter, Keplinger continues to shape the YA genre and inspire readers to tell their own stories.
- Born: August 8, 1991, Owensboro, Kentucky
- Key Works: The DUFF, That’s Not What Happened, The Swift Boys & Me
- Notable: Co-founder of Disability in KidLit, teacher at Gotham Writers Workshop
Snag The DUFF or That’s Not What Happened and dive into Kody Keplinger’s witty, heartfelt world of young adult fiction!