Picture a Canadian storyteller who crafts raw, heartfelt Young Adult tales while saving lives as a nurse—meet M-E Girard! This Lambda Literary Award winner burst onto the scene with her debut novel, Girl Mans Up, a bold exploration of gender and identity that’s captivated readers worldwide. With a knack for authentic queer narratives, Girard balances her nursing career with writing stories that resonate deeply with teens and adults alike.
The Making of M-E Girard
Born and raised just outside Toronto, Canada, M-E Girard grew up with a passion for storytelling. Initially, her creative spark flickered through unfinished drafts and city maps, but life led her to nursing. For over 15 years, she worked as a pediatric nurse, later braving the ER and ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic’s early waves. Yet, writing remained her calling. As a 2013 and 2015 Lambda Literary Fellow, Girard honed her craft, drawing inspiration from her feminist ideals and fascination with gender dynamics, especially for queer and fat girls.
M-E Girard’s Unforgettable Stories
Girard’s writing is raw, real, and unapologetic, blending humor with hard-hitting themes. Her debut, Girl Mans Up (2016), follows Pen, a genderqueer teen navigating loyalty, love, and societal expectations. The novel’s honest portrayal of a lesbian, gender-nonconforming protagonist earned it a Lambda Literary Award and a William C. Morris YA Debut Award finalist spot. Critics praised its nuanced take on identity, with Kirkus Reviews calling it “gripping, nuanced, and provocative.”
In 2023, Girard released Then Everything Happens at Once, a sex-positive coming-of-age story about Baylee, a fat teen exploring love and desire amid a pandemic. This sophomore novel tackles body image and queer romance with warmth and wit, earning accolades for its empowering narrative. Girard also penned Breakaway, a new adult novella, showcasing her versatility across age groups. Her stories consistently center badass teen girls, challenging stereotypes with every page.
Why M-E Girard Matters
M-E Girard’s impact lies in her fearless representation of queer, fat, and gender-nonconforming teens. Her work fills a crucial gap in YA literature, offering visibility to marginalized voices. By weaving real-world struggles with hope, she inspires readers to embrace their authentic selves. As a nurse and writer, Girard’s dual roles amplify her empathy, making her stories a beacon for inclusivity in a genre hungry for diverse narratives.
- Born: Just outside Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: Girl Mans Up (2016), Then Everything Happens at Once (2023), Breakaway
- Awards: Lambda Literary Award (2017), William C. Morris YA Debut Award finalist
- Fun Fact: Girard worked as an ER nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Snag Girl Mans Up or Then Everything Happens at Once and dive into M-E Girard’s bold, queer YA world—your heart will thank you!