Picture a storyteller who weaves tales of grief, love, and queer identity with a gentle touch that lingers—meet Nina LaCour! This California-born author has carved a niche in young adult literature, captivating readers with her lyrical prose and heartfelt narratives. Best known for her Michael L. Printz Award-winning novel We Are Okay, LaCour’s stories resonate with teens and adults alike, blending raw emotion with hope.
From her San Francisco Bay Area roots to her role as a celebrated writer and educator, LaCour’s journey is one of passion and persistence. Her ability to capture the messy beauty of human connection has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim across the literary world.
The Making of Nina LaCour
Born in 1983 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Nina LaCour grew up in Moraga, surrounded by a family that cherished the arts. Her grandmother taught china painting, her father was a school principal, and her mother a high school photography teacher, fostering a creative environment. LaCour’s love for storytelling bloomed early, inspired by the books lining her childhood home’s shelves. She graduated from San Francisco State University and earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College, where her thesis became her debut novel, Hold Still. Initially drawn to adult fiction, LaCour found her calling in young adult literature after a transformative adolescent fiction class, tapping into the vivid emotions of her own teenage years.
Nina LaCour’s Unforgettable Stories
LaCour’s novels are a masterclass in balancing heartbreak with hope, often exploring themes of grief, identity, and queer love. Her debut, Hold Still (2009), follows a teen navigating her best friend’s suicide, earning a William C. Morris Award finalist nod for its poignant storytelling. Everything Leads to You (2014) is a romantic, cinematic tale of a young set designer discovering love and herself, celebrated as a Junior Library Guild selection. The crown jewel, We Are Okay (2017), won the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award for its haunting portrayal of Marin, a college freshman grappling with loss and loneliness during a winter break reunion with her friend Mabel. LaCour’s 2020 novel Watch Over Me blends ghostly elements with a teen’s search for belonging on a foggy Northern California coast.
Her writing style is lyrical yet accessible, with spare prose that packs an emotional punch. LaCour’s queer characters shine not for their identities alone but for their complex, relatable journeys, making her a vital voice in inclusive YA literature. Beyond novels, she’s ventured into picture books like Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle and adult fiction with Yerba Buena, showcasing her versatility.
Why Nina LaCour Matters
Nina LaCour’s impact extends beyond her books. Her stories fill a gap in YA literature, offering authentic representations of queer teens and tackling tough topics like grief and mental health with grace. Her work has been named among TIME’s Top 100 YA Novels and translated into over a dozen languages, reflecting her global reach. As a faculty member at Hamline University’s MFA program and creator of The Slow Novel Lab, LaCour inspires aspiring writers to embrace their unique voices. Her podcast, Keeping a Notebook, further shares her wisdom, encouraging creators to observe the world deeply.
LaCour’s ability to craft stories that feel both intimate and universal has made her a beacon for readers seeking solace and connection. Her legacy lies in her unflinching honesty and her gift for turning pain into beauty.
About Nina LaCour
- Born: 1983, San Francisco Bay Area, California
- Key Works: We Are Okay, Hold Still, Everything Leads to You, Watch Over Me
- Awards: Michael L. Printz Award (2018), Northern California Book Award (2009)
- Fun Fact: LaCour once worked as an indie bookseller, fueling her love for stories.
Snag We Are Okay and dive into Nina LaCour’s soul-stirring world of young adult fiction! Her stories are like a warm hug on a tough day—perfect for anyone craving a heartfelt read.