Picture an American storyteller who spun tales of teenage turmoil and tantalizing sins—meet Robin Wasserman! Born just outside Philadelphia in 1978, this Young Adult fiction maestro has captivated readers with her sharp, relatable narratives and a knack for blending gritty realism with hints of fantasy and science fiction. From her bestselling Seven Deadly Sins series to critically acclaimed novels like Girls on Fire, Wasserman’s stories are a rollercoaster of emotions, perfect for anyone who loves a good dose of drama with a side of heart.
With a Harvard degree, a Master’s in the history of science, and a passion for storytelling, Wasserman has become a literary force, writing not just for teens but also for adults, and even penning scripts for television. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this dynamic author.
The Making of Robin Wasserman
Robin Wasserman grew up in a suburb near Philadelphia, where her love for stories took root early. A graduate of Harvard University and UCLA, she initially stepped into the publishing world as an associate editor at a children’s book publisher. But the call to create her own tales was too strong. By 2002, she debuted with Pizza Place Ghost, a children’s book, before skyrocketing to fame with her Young Adult series. Her academic background in the history of science and fascination with Renaissance philosophy often weave subtle threads of intellectual curiosity into her work, making her stories both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Robin Wasserman’s Unforgettable Stories
Wasserman’s Seven Deadly Sins series, launched in 2005 with Simon & Schuster, is her crown jewel. This seven-book saga follows morally complex teens in Grace, California, each novel centered on one of the deadly sins—Lust, Envy, Pride, Wrath, Sloth, Gluttony, and Greed. Think Gossip Girl meets Dante’s Inferno, with backstabbing, romance, and scandal galore. The series’ addictive drama led to a 2010 Lifetime miniseries starring Dreama Walker and Rachel Melvin, cementing its pop-culture status.
Beyond Seven Deadly Sins, Wasserman’s versatility shines in works like Girls on Fire, a dark, NPR and BuzzFeed-lauded novel about female friendship and obsession, and Mother Daughter Widow Wife, a 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award finalist exploring identity and memory. Her Skinned trilogy, a sci-fi dive into artificial intelligence and humanity, showcases her ability to blend genres seamlessly. Wasserman’s style—vivid, character-driven, and unflinchingly honest—captures the messy beauty of adolescence while tackling universal themes like betrayal, ambition, and self-discovery.
Her nonfiction essays, published in outlets like The Atlantic and The New York Times, reveal a reflective side, often exploring cultural and personal narratives with the same intensity as her fiction. Whether she’s writing about teens or for them, Wasserman’s voice is magnetic, pulling readers into worlds that feel both familiar and thrillingly new.
Why Robin Wasserman Matters
Robin Wasserman’s impact on Young Adult literature lies in her ability to craft stories that resonate deeply with readers. Her characters—flawed, ambitious, and fiercely human—mirror the struggles of youth while inviting readers of all ages to reflect on their own desires and choices. The Seven Deadly Sins series, with its bold exploration of morality, has inspired countless fans to embrace complex narratives over simplistic tropes. Her television work and teaching role at Southern New Hampshire University’s MFA program further amplify her influence, nurturing the next generation of writers.
Wasserman’s awards, including recognition from NPR, BuzzFeed, and the PEN/Faulkner Foundation, underscore her literary prowess. By blending realism with speculative elements, she’s carved a unique niche, proving that Young Adult fiction can be both wildly entertaining and profoundly meaningful.
- Birth Date: May 31, 1978
- Key Works: Seven Deadly Sins series, Girls on Fire, Mother Daughter Widow Wife, Skinned trilogy
- Awards: 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award finalist, NPR and BuzzFeed Best Book of the Year for Girls on Fire
- Current Role: Faculty at Southern New Hampshire University’s MFA program
Snag Seven Deadly Sins or Girls on Fire and dive into Robin Wasserman’s electrifying world of drama, heart, and unforgettable characters!