Picture a Virginia-born storyteller who spun tales of mystery and adventure, captivating young readers with every page—meet Lamar Giles! A master of young adult and middle-grade fiction, Giles has carved a unique path in literature, blending thrilling plots with diverse voices. As a founding member of We Need Diverse Books, he’s not just writing stories; he’s changing the publishing world.
From his blue-collar roots in Hopewell, Virginia, to becoming a three-time Edgar Award nominee, Giles’s journey is as inspiring as his novels. His works, like Fake ID and The Last Last-Day-of-Summer, pulse with suspense, humor, and heart, making him a standout voice for today’s youth.
The Making of Lamar Giles
Born on November 14, 1979, Lamar Giles grew up next to an army base in Hopewell, Virginia, where his mother, a factory worker, encouraged him to ‘work on his mind.’ A reluctant reader as a kid, he discovered the power of stories through a school writing contest, penning his first novel at 14. After graduating from Hopewell High School in 1997, Giles earned a B.S. in communications from Old Dominion University, with a minor in English. It was Stephen King’s On Writing that ignited his publishing dreams, leading to his first short story sale at 21.
Before becoming a full-time author, Giles worked as a real estate agent and independently published under the pen name L.R. Giles. A 2006 fellowship from the Virginia Commission of the Arts marked a turning point, propelling him toward his debut novel and a career dedicated to diverse storytelling.
Lamar Giles’s Unforgettable Stories
Giles’s novels are a thrilling mix of mystery, adventure, and social commentary, often featuring African American protagonists navigating complex worlds. His debut, Fake ID (2014), follows Nick, a teen in witness protection, unraveling a murder mystery in a new town. Praised for its fast-paced plot, it earned an Edgar Award nomination and a spot on the Virginia State Reading Association’s Choice List.
The Last Last-Day-of-Summer (2019), a middle-grade fantasy, introduces cousins Otto and Sheed, the Legendary Alston Boys, racing to save their town from a time-freezing stranger. Inspired by The Phantom Tollbooth, it’s packed with wordplay and humor, earning glowing reviews from The New York Times and Time Magazine. Other hits like Endangered (2015), a vigilante thriller, and Not So Pure and Simple (2020), a coming-of-age story, showcase Giles’s genre-bending versatility, tackling themes of identity, racism, and resilience.
As editor of Fresh Ink (2018), a We Need Diverse Books anthology, Giles curated stories from top YA authors like Jason Reynolds and Nicola Yoon, amplifying diverse voices. His work for brands like DC Comics and Star Wars further highlights his storytelling prowess across mediums.
Why Lamar Giles Matters
Lamar Giles’s impact extends beyond his books. As a co-founder of We Need Diverse Books, he’s helped shift publishing toward inclusivity, with data showing a 17% rise in books featuring people of color from 2014 to 2017. His stories resonate with young readers, offering mirrors for underrepresented communities and windows for others, fostering empathy in a new generation.
A faculty member at Spalding University’s MFA program and a former National Book Awards judge, Giles inspires aspiring writers, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. His mother’s dream of a ‘cerebral’ career for her son lives on in his work, proving stories can change lives.
About Lamar Giles
- Born: November 14, 1979, in Hopewell, Virginia
- Key Works: Fake ID, The Last Last-Day-of-Summer, Not So Pure and Simple, Endangered
- Awards: Three-time Edgar Award nominee, Black Caucus of the American Library Association Youth Literary Award recipient
- Fun Fact: Giles once met Beyoncé, a highlight he shared with high school students!
Ready for a thrilling ride? Grab Fake ID or The Last Last-Day-of-Summer and dive into Lamar Giles’s world of mystery and heart!