Picture a Philadelphia-born storyteller who turned a screenplay into a heart-wrenching young adult sensation—meet Rachael Lippincott! With her debut novel, Five Feet Apart, she captured the hearts of readers and moviegoers alike, weaving tales of love, loss, and resilience that resonate deeply with teens and beyond. Her knack for crafting emotionally charged stories has made her a standout in contemporary young adult fiction.
The Making of Rachael Lippincott
Born on December 5, 1994, in Philadelphia and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Rachael Lippincott grew up with a love for stories. Initially set on a pre-med path at the University of Pittsburgh, her trajectory shifted after enrolling in a Writing Youth Literature course taught by novelist Siobhan Vivian. This class sparked a passion for young adult fiction, leading her to switch her major to English writing. By 2017, she had graduated and was ready to make her mark.
Her big break came unexpectedly when her mentor, Siobhan Vivian, recommended her for a project with Simon & Schuster. Tasked with adapting a screenplay into a novel, Rachael dove into what would become her breakout work, Five Feet Apart, showcasing her ability to transform scripts into vivid, emotional narratives.
Rachael Lippincott’s Unforgettable Stories
Rachael’s debut, Five Feet Apart (2018), co-authored with Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis, tells the story of two teens with cystic fibrosis who fall in love but must stay six feet apart to avoid infection. The novel’s raw emotion and authentic portrayal of chronic illness struck a chord, selling over a million copies and earning a spot on the New York Times Bestseller List for 60 weeks. Its 2019 film adaptation, starring Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson, amplified its reach.
Following this success, Rachael collaborated with Daughtry on All This Time (2020), a poignant tale of love and grief, and co-wrote She Gets the Girl (2022) with her wife, Alyson Derrick, a charming LGBTQ+ romance inspired by their own love story. Her first solo novel, The Lucky List (2021), explores grief and self-discovery, while Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh (2023) blends time-travel and queer romance. Rachael’s style—marked by dual perspectives, heartfelt themes, and relatable characters—makes her stories both accessible and deeply moving.
Her works often tackle heavy topics like illness, grief, and identity with a hopeful lens, drawing comparisons to John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. By centering authentic teen experiences, Rachael crafts narratives that resonate with young readers navigating their own challenges.
Why Rachael Lippincott Matters
Rachael Lippincott’s impact on young adult fiction lies in her ability to blend raw emotion with uplifting storytelling. Her focus on chronic illness, particularly cystic fibrosis, has raised awareness while giving voice to underrepresented experiences. Her inclusive narratives, especially in works like She Gets the Girl, celebrate queer identities, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature. With multiple Goodreads Choice Award nominations and a growing fanbase, Rachael continues to shape the genre.
Beyond her books, Rachael’s journey from pre-med student to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers to follow their passions. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to authentic storytelling ensure her stories leave a lasting impression.
- Birth Date: December 5, 1994
- Key Works: Five Feet Apart, All This Time, The Lucky List, She Gets the Girl
- Awards: Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fiction (2019) for Five Feet Apart
- Fun Fact: Rachael runs a food truck with her wife in Pittsburgh!
Snag Five Feet Apart or She Gets the Girl and dive into Rachael Lippincott’s heartfelt world of young adult romance!