Picture a young storyteller who penned a searing, soulful novel before she could legally vote—meet Leila Mottley! Born in 2003 in Oakland, California, this literary prodigy burst onto the scene with her debut novel, Nightcrawling, at just nineteen. With lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, Mottley captures the raw beauty and struggles of her hometown, earning accolades like a New York Times bestseller spot and an Oprah’s Book Club pick. Her work, steeped in social realism, makes her a voice to watch in contemporary fiction.
At sixteen, Mottley was already Oakland’s Youth Poet Laureate, weaving words that resonated far beyond her years. Now, she’s redefining what it means to be a young Black writer, tackling heavy themes with grace and grit. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this literary star.
The Making of Leila Mottley
Leila Mottley grew up in Oakland, a city she describes as a tapestry of voices, from the local bakery to the street corner. Born to a creative family—her father is a playwright—she was scribbling poems and stories as soon as she could write. Her Oakland roots, rich with community and complexity, shaped her perspective. By sixteen, she was named the 2018 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, a title she earned after serving as Vice Youth Poet Laureate. Her early poetry, published in outlets like The New York Times, showcased a talent that refused to be confined by age.
Mottley graduated from Oakland School for the Arts and briefly attended Smith College, where she studied under novelist Ruth Ozeki. But the pull of writing was too strong—she took an indefinite leave to focus on her craft. Her teenage years were a whirlwind of creativity, from performing slam poetry to co-writing a documentary short, When I Write It, featured at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. This foundation set the stage for her meteoric rise.
Leila Mottley’s Unforgettable Stories
Mottley’s debut novel, Nightcrawling (2022), is a gut-punch of a story inspired by a 2015 Oakland Police Department scandal involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. The novel follows Kiara, a seventeen-year-old Black girl in East Oakland, navigating poverty, sex work, and systemic corruption. Written when Mottley was just sixteen, Nightcrawling blends poetic imagery with stark realism, earning a Booker Prize longlist nomination—making her the youngest nominee ever. Critics, from Oprah Winfrey to The New Yorker, hailed its raw intensity and vivid portrayal of Black girlhood.
In 2024, Mottley returned to her poetic roots with woke up no light, a collection exploring Black womanhood, community, and resilience. Divided into sections like “girlhood” and “womanhood,” the poems pulse with energy, mending historical gaps with nuance. Her forthcoming novel, The Girls Who Grew Big (June 2025), promises to delve into the lives of teenage mothers in Florida, continuing her focus on marginalized voices. Mottley’s style—lyrical, unflinching, and deeply empathetic—weaves joy and pain into narratives that linger long after the last page.
Her work stands out for its Oakland heartbeat, capturing the city’s contradictions: its vibrant art scene and its systemic inequities. Whether in prose or poetry, Mottley writes for the “forgotten people,” giving voice to those often overlooked. Her ability to channel complex emotions at such a young age marks her as a singular talent.
Why Leila Mottley Matters
Leila Mottley’s impact transcends her age. Her stories amplify Black women’s experiences, challenging stereotypes and humanizing characters caught in unforgiving systems. Nightcrawling sparked conversations about justice, race, and vulnerability, resonating with readers globally. As a poet and novelist, she’s part of a tradition of Black women writers who archive untold histories, from Tracy K. Smith to Robin Coste Lewis. Her work inspires young writers, proving that youth is no barrier to profound storytelling.
At just twenty-two, Mottley has already reshaped contemporary literature, blending activism with artistry. Her dedication to authenticity—consulting sex workers for Nightcrawling, for instance—sets a standard for ethical storytelling. As she continues to write, her influence will only grow, cementing her as a literary force.
About Leila Mottley
- Born: 2003, Oakland, California
- Key Works: Nightcrawling (2022), woke up no light (2024), The Girls Who Grew Big (2025)
- Awards: 2018 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, Booker Prize longlist (2022)
- Fun Fact: She got a lavender tattoo to celebrate Nightcrawling!
Snag Nightcrawling or woke up no light and dive into Leila Mottley’s electrifying world of poetry and prose!