Picture a Midwestern storyteller who spun a queer Black prom queen into the heart of YA literature—meet Leah Johnson! Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, this eternal Hoosier has carved a vibrant path in young adult fiction, blending joy, identity, and belonging with a fresh, authentic voice. Her debut novel, You Should See Me in a Crown, didn’t just win awards—it redefined what a teen rom-com could be.
Johnson’s work is a love letter to those who feel unseen, drawing from her own journey as a queer Black woman from a low-income background. With a knack for crafting stories that feel like a warm hug, she’s become a beacon for diverse representation in YA. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this literary trailblazer!
The Making of Leah Johnson
Leah Johnson grew up on Indianapolis’s west side, filling spiral notebooks with stories and devouring books as a child. An avid reader, she channeled her creativity into journalism, serving as editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper and later studying at Indiana University Bloomington. There, she interned at prestigious outlets like the Wall Street Journal and NPR, honing her storytelling craft. But it was her MFA in fiction writing at Sarah Lawrence College that set her on the path to novel-writing, where she began penning her breakout debut.
Johnson’s early career wasn’t all smooth sailing. As a Black student reporter covering systemic racism, she faced emotional tolls that pushed her to rediscover joy through fiction. Her 2018 essay for Electric Literature on the lack of diverse YA lit caught the eye of editor Sarah Landis, sparking the journey to her first book deal.
Leah Johnson’s Unforgettable Stories
Johnson’s debut, You Should See Me in a Crown (2020), follows Liz Lighty, a Black queer teen vying for prom queen to secure a college scholarship. Inspired by ’80s John Hughes films and ’90s rom-coms, it’s a joyful, heartfelt tale that flips the traditional prom narrative. The novel earned a Stonewall Book Award Honor, became Reese Witherspoon’s first YA Book Club pick, and was named one of TIME’s 100 Best YA Books of All Time.
Her sophomore novel, Rise to the Sun (2021), trades prom for a music festival, weaving a story of two girls finding love and healing through music. In 2023, Johnson ventured into middle grade with Ellie Engle Saves Herself, a Lambda Literary Award finalist about a girl discovering her own magic. She also edited Black Girl Power (2024), a USA Today bestselling anthology celebrating Black girlhood. Johnson’s style—vibrant, character-driven, and unapologetically inclusive—centers queer and Black joy, making her stories resonate deeply.
Her writing sparkles with authenticity, often reflecting her Indiana roots with cornfields and small-town charm. Johnson’s ability to balance humor, heart, and social commentary has made her a standout in contemporary YA, earning praise for normalizing marginalized voices in mainstream narratives.
Why Leah Johnson Matters
Leah Johnson’s impact goes beyond her books. In 2023, she opened Loudmouth Books, an Indianapolis bookstore dedicated to banned books and marginalized authors, responding to Indiana’s restrictive book laws. The store, funded partly by a successful GoFundMe, has become a community hub, amplifying voices often silenced. Her advocacy for free speech and diverse literature inspires readers and writers alike.
As a queer Black author, Johnson’s stories fill a critical gap in YA, offering representation that empowers young readers to embrace their identities. Her work challenges stereotypes, proving that Black and queer teens deserve epic love stories and triumphant narratives. With each book, she’s building a legacy of joy and resilience.
About Leah Johnson
- Born: 1994 in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Key Works: You Should See Me in a Crown, Rise to the Sun, Ellie Engle Saves Herself, Black Girl Power
- Awards: Stonewall Book Award Honor, Indiana Authors Award, Lambda Literary Emerging Writers Fellow
- Fun Fact: She’s a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority!
Ready to fall in love with Leah Johnson’s stories? Grab You Should See Me in a Crown and dive into her vibrant, heartwarming world of YA fiction!