Picture a storyteller who spins snarky, heartfelt tales that make you laugh and cry in the same breath—meet Lily Anderson! This Afro-Puerto Rican author has carved a vibrant niche in young adult fiction with her witty novels like The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You and Undead Girl Gang. With a knack for blending pop culture, diverse characters, and emotional intelligence, Anderson’s stories resonate with teens and adults alike, earning her a devoted following and critical acclaim.
From her roots as a theater-loving kid to her rise as a celebrated YA author, Anderson’s journey is as colorful as her books. Her commitment to representing mixed-race experiences and her playful, relatable style make her a standout voice in contemporary literature. Let’s dive into the world of Lily Anderson!
The Making of Lily Anderson
Born on December 15, 1988, Lily Anderson grew up in the suburbs between Sacramento and San Francisco, a place she describes as too disorganized to be the Bay Area. As a child of Afro-Puerto Rican descent, she scoured libraries for stories about mixed-race kids who shared her fast-talking, passionate spirit but found few. This gap inspired her to write her own. A self-proclaimed theater geek, Anderson performed in her first Shakespeare play at 12, sparking a lifelong love for the Bard that later shaped her novels. After dropping out of college at 18, she wrote her first book, cementing her dream of becoming a published author. Her time as a school librarian further fueled her passion for connecting teens with stories that reflect their lives.
Lily Anderson’s Unforgettable Stories
Anderson’s novels are a delightful mix of sharp humor, heartfelt moments, and diverse characters navigating the chaos of adolescence. Her debut, The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You (2016), is a geeky, enemies-to-lovers retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. It follows Trixie Watson, a comic-book-loving teen determined to outrank her rival, Ben West, in a whirlwind of witty banter and romantic sparks. Critics, including Paste Magazine, hailed it as one of the best YA books of 2016 for its fresh voice and relatable characters.
In Undead Girl Gang (2018), Anderson leans into her Wiccan roots, crafting a darkly funny mystery about Mila Flores, a teen witch who accidentally resurrects her best friend and two mean girls to solve their murders. Nominated for an Indies Choice Book Award, this novel blends supernatural hijinks with themes of grief and friendship, earning praise for its fat-positive and Latinx representation. Other works like Not Now, Not Ever (2017) and Scout’s Honor showcase Anderson’s knack for reimagining classics with modern, diverse twists, all wrapped in her signature snarky yet soulful style.
Anderson’s writing stands out for its emotional depth and cultural authenticity. Her characters—often snarky, flawed, and fiercely loyal—reflect her own experiences as a mixed-race woman, making her stories a beacon for readers seeking representation. Her love for Shakespeare, fairy tales, and musical theater infuses her work with a playful, theatrical flair that keeps pages turning.
Why Lily Anderson Matters
Lily Anderson’s impact on young adult literature lies in her ability to craft stories that are both entertaining and inclusive. By centering mixed-race, plus-size, and Wiccan characters, she challenges the status quo of YA fiction, offering readers mirrors to see themselves and windows to understand others. Her novels tackle heavy themes like grief and identity with humor and heart, making them accessible and empowering for teens. As a former librarian, Anderson knows the power of stories to shape lives, and her work continues to inspire a new generation of readers and writers to embrace their unique voices.
- Born: December 15, 1988
- Key Works: The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You, Undead Girl Gang, Not Now, Not Ever, Scout’s Honor
- Awards: Indies Choice Book Award nominee for Undead Girl Gang
- Fun Fact: Anderson has a growing collection of musical theater tattoos!
Ready to fall in love with a snarky, magical world? Grab Undead Girl Gang or The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You and dive into Lily Anderson’s irresistible YA adventures!