Picture a storyteller who weaves magic into the messiness of growing up—meet Rebecca Podos! This American author of young adult fiction has captured hearts with her lush, heartfelt novels that blend mystery, magical realism, and vibrant queer representation. From her Lambda Literary Award-winning Like Water to the enchanting From Dust, A Flame, Podos crafts stories that feel like a warm hug and a thrilling adventure all at once.
As a literary agent by day and a novelist by heart, Podos brings a unique perspective to her work, infusing it with cultural depth and emotional honesty. Her tales of identity, family, and folklore have made her a standout voice in YA literature, inviting readers to explore who they are and who they might become.
The Making of Rebecca Podos
Born and raised with a love for stories, Rebecca Podos honed her craft at Emerson College, where she graduated from the Writing, Literature, and Publishing Program. Her time at Emerson wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was where she won the MFA award for best thesis, proving her knack for storytelling early on. After college, Podos dove into the literary world, balancing her role as a senior agent at Neighborhood Literary (formerly Rees Literary Agency) with her passion for writing. This dual career gave her a front-row seat to the publishing industry, shaping her ability to craft stories that resonate with both readers and critics.
Influenced by folklore, Jewish and Russian cultural tales, and the complexities of human connection, Podos began writing novels that blend the ordinary with the extraordinary. Her debut, The Mystery of Hollow Places, marked her as a fresh voice in YA, and she hasn’t slowed down since.
Rebecca Podos’s Unforgettable Stories
Podos’s novels are like a tapestry of magic, mystery, and self-discovery, with themes of identity and family at their core. Her debut, The Mystery of Hollow Places (2016), follows Imogene, a teen sleuth searching for her missing father, a mystery novelist himself. This thrilling tale earned starred reviews and a Junior Library Guild Selection, showcasing Podos’s knack for blending suspense with emotional depth.
Her sophomore novel, Like Water (2017), stole the spotlight with its tender, authentic portrayal of a bisexual Mexican-American teen, Savannah, who navigates love and identity as a mermaid performer. Winning the 2018 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Children’s and Young Adult, it cemented Podos’s reputation for crafting diverse, heartfelt stories. The Wise and the Wicked (2019) dives into Russian folklore, following Ruby Chernyavsky as she grapples with a family legacy of magic and visions of her own death. Reviewers praised its lush prose and queer romances, calling it an ode to family and fate.
Most recently, From Dust, A Flame (2022) explores Jewish mysticism through Hannah, a teen unraveling a curse that transforms her body. This contemporary fantasy weaves historical Prague, golems, and Shabbat rituals into a story of love and loss, earning high praise for its cultural richness and sibling dynamics. Podos’s style—vivid, atmospheric, and deeply emotional—makes every book a journey worth taking.
Why Rebecca Podos Matters
Rebecca Podos isn’t just writing books; she’s carving out space for underrepresented voices in YA literature. Her commitment to queer and BIPOC representation, paired with her exploration of cultural folklore, offers readers stories that feel both universal and deeply personal. Her work resonates with teens navigating their own identities, showing them that magic can exist in the messy, beautiful process of becoming.
As a literary agent, Podos also champions diverse stories behind the scenes, amplifying new voices in publishing. Her influence extends beyond her novels, making her a vital part of the YA community. Whether through her evocative prose or her advocacy, Podos inspires readers to embrace their own stories, flaws and all.
- Key Works: The Mystery of Hollow Places, Like Water, The Wise and the Wicked, From Dust, A Flame
- Awards: 2018 Lambda Literary Award for Like Water
- Hometown: Connecticut, USA
Snag Like Water or From Dust, A Flame and dive into Rebecca Podos’s magical, heartfelt world of YA fiction!