Picture a storyteller who turned her own journey into tales that resonate with teens everywhere—meet Meredith Russo! A trailblazing transgender author from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Russo has redefined young adult literature with her authentic, heartfelt novels. Her debut, If I Was Your Girl, didn’t just win awards; it broke barriers, offering a rare, hopeful narrative for transgender youth.
Russo’s stories blend raw emotion with Southern charm, drawing readers into worlds where identity, love, and acceptance collide. Beyond her books, she’s a fierce advocate for transgender rights and HIV awareness, making her a vital voice in both literature and activism.
The Making of Meredith Russo
Born around 1986 in Chattanooga, Meredith Russo grew up in a supportive family, finding her creative spark at the city’s Center for Creative Arts. She later earned a degree in Creative Writing and Women’s Studies from the University of Tennessee. Russo began living as her true self in 2013, a pivotal moment that shaped her writing. Before her literary breakthrough, she juggled jobs like dishwashing and call center work, honing her craft through sheer determination. Her transition and experiences as a trans woman fueled her desire to create stories that uplift and empower.
Meredith Russo’s Unforgettable Stories
Russo’s debut novel, If I Was Your Girl (2016), follows Amanda Hardy, a transgender teen navigating love and acceptance in a new school. Inspired by Russo’s life, the book’s hopeful tone and authentic voice earned it the 2017 Stonewall Book Award and Walter Dean Myers Award. Critics praised its nuanced portrayal of transgender experiences, with starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly.
Her sophomore novel, Birthday (2019), tracks two teens, Morgan and Eric, over six years of shared birthdays. Through dual narration, Russo explores Morgan’s journey as a transgender girl, tackling mental health and identity with sensitivity. The book’s raw emotion and Southern setting captivated readers, earning a starred review from Booklist. Russo also contributed short stories and essays to anthologies like Meet Cute and (Don’t) Call Me Crazy, showcasing her versatility.
Known for her accessible yet profound style, Russo crafts characters that feel like friends, blending humor, heartache, and hope. Her focus on transgender narratives fills a critical gap in YA literature, offering representation that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
Why Meredith Russo Matters
Meredith Russo’s impact transcends her books. As one of the first transgender women to write widely distributed YA novels about trans teens, she’s paved the way for more diverse voices in publishing. Her stories provide a lifeline for transgender youth, showing them they’re not alone, while educating cisgender readers about empathy and acceptance. Russo’s advocacy, including her work with organizations like the ACLU and her HIV awareness campaigns, amplifies her influence. By sharing her truth, she’s sparked conversations about gender, identity, and resilience, making YA literature richer and more inclusive.
- Born: circa 1986, Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Key Works: If I Was Your Girl (2016), Birthday (2019)
- Awards: Stonewall Book Award (2017), Walter Dean Myers Award (2017)
- Fun Fact: She’s a self-proclaimed nerd who loves video games and Star Wars!
About Meredith Russo
Snag If I Was Your Girl or Birthday and dive into Meredith Russo’s heartfelt world of love, identity, and Southern grit!