Picture a literary dynamo who unearthed forgotten teen classics and gave them new life—meet Lizzie Skurnick! A writer, critic, and publisher, Skurnick has carved a unique niche in young adult (YA) fiction, blending nostalgia with a fierce push for diversity. Her passion for stories that shaped generations makes her a standout voice in publishing.
Born in the Bronx and raised in New Jersey, Skurnick’s love for books bloomed early, sparked by discoveries in local bookstores. Today, she’s celebrated for her essays, her imprint Lizzie Skurnick Books, and her witty takes on language and culture. Let’s dive into her journey and why she’s a game-changer in YA literature.
The Making of Lizzie Skurnick
Lizzie Skurnick, identifying as Black and Jewish, grew up in a household rich with literature, from James Baldwin to Judy Blume. Her parents’ diverse bookshelves fueled her eclectic taste. After studying at Yale, she dove into publishing, facing an industry she later described as 'whiter than sailing.' Undeterred, she began writing for outlets like The New York Times and NPR, sharpening her voice as a critic and essayist.
Her big break came with 'Fine Lines,' a Jezebel column where she revisited beloved YA novels. The column’s success led to her 2009 book, Shelf Discovery, and set the stage for her mission to revive out-of-print teen classics. Skurnick’s knack for spotting gems and her bold advocacy for inclusivity defined her early career.
Lizzie Skurnick’s Unforgettable Stories
Skurnick’s work spans essays, fiction, and publishing, all infused with wit and heart. Her 2009 book, Shelf Discovery: The Teen Classics We Never Stopped Reading, is a love letter to YA novels of the 1960s to 1980s. With guest essays from authors like Laura Lippman, it celebrates books like Harriet the Spy and Bridge to Terabithia, blending nostalgia with sharp analysis.
In 2015, she published That Should Be a Word, a playful collection of neologisms from her New York Times Magazine column. Terms like 'fidgital' (obsessively checking devices) showcase her knack for capturing modern quirks. As a fiction writer, Skurnick contributed to series like Sweet Valley High and Alias, proving her versatility.
Her boldest venture is Lizzie Skurnick Books, launched in 2013 under Ig Publishing. The imprint reissued classics like Lois Duncan’s Debutante Hill and Brenda Wilkinson’s Ludell, emphasizing diverse voices. Skurnick also published original works, like Lila Perl’s Isabel’s War, cementing her role as a curator of timeless stories.
Why Lizzie Skurnick Matters
Skurnick’s impact lies in her ability to bridge past and present. By reviving forgotten YA novels, she’s preserved a vibrant era of literature often dismissed as 'fluffy.' Her focus on diversity—reissuing works by Black and Jewish authors like Brenda Wilkinson and Sydney Taylor—challenges publishing’s homogeneity. Her essays and talks at conferences like SXSW inspire new generations to value YA as serious literature.
Though Lizzie Skurnick Books suspended acquisitions in 2016 due to sales challenges, its 24 titles remain in print, a testament to her vision. As a single mother and professor at Johns Hopkins, Skurnick continues to shape literary culture, proving that stories from the margins matter.
- Born: Bronx, New York
- Key Works: Shelf Discovery (2009), That Should Be a Word (2015)
- Notable Venture: Founded Lizzie Skurnick Books in 2013
- Awards: Forbes Best of the Web for her blog, Old Hag
About Lizzie Skurnick
Snag Shelf Discovery or a Lizzie Skurnick Books reissue and dive into her vibrant world of teen classics!