Picture a storyteller who spun tales of teenage heartache and hope with a pen as sharp as her insight—meet Sara Zarr! Born in Cleveland, Ohio, this American author has carved a niche in young adult fiction with stories that feel like a heart-to-heart with your best friend. Her novels, like Story of a Girl and How to Save a Life, dive into the messy, beautiful world of growing up, making her a beloved voice for readers navigating life’s big moments.
With a knack for crafting characters who linger long after the last page, Zarr’s work blends raw emotion with quiet wisdom. From her National Book Award finalist debut to her thoughtful explorations of faith and family, she’s a storyteller who proves simple stories can pack a profound punch. Let’s explore the life, works, and lasting impact of this literary gem!
The Making of Sara Zarr
Born on October 3, 1970, in Cleveland, Sara Zarr grew up in San Francisco, soaking up the vibrant culture of the Bay Area. Raised in a Jesus Movement church, her early life was shaped by faith and a complex family dynamic, including an alcoholic household, which later seeped into her writing’s emotional depth. After earning a communications degree from San Francisco State University, Zarr dabbled in commercial printing but found it unfulfilling. Her true calling emerged in the late ’90s when she began writing young adult novels, inspired by classics like Judy Blume and S.E. Hinton. After three unpublished manuscripts and a pivotal win at the 2003 Utah Arts Council for an unpublished novel, she landed an agent and her breakout book, Story of a Girl, with Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Sara Zarr’s Unforgettable Stories
Zarr’s novels are like a warm hug on a tough day—comforting yet unflinchingly honest. Her debut, Story of a Girl (2007), follows Deanna Lambert, a teen grappling with a tarnished reputation and family strife. A 2007 National Book Award finalist, it set the tone for Zarr’s signature style: contemporary realism with a focus on family, identity, and redemption. Sweethearts (2008) explores childhood friendship and heartbreak through Jennifer, a girl haunted by her past, earning praise for its poignant simplicity.
Once Was Lost (2009), inspired by the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping and Zarr’s Christian roots, tackles faith and doubt with a pastor’s daughter at its heart. It won the 2009 Utah Book Award and an INSPY Award. How to Save a Life (2011), another Utah Book Award winner, weaves a dual narrative of two girls navigating grief and pregnancy, showcasing Zarr’s skill at crafting authentic voices. Her 2017 novel, Gem & Dixie, draws on her own experiences with family dysfunction, offering a raw look at sisterhood. Zarr’s stories shine for their introspective characters and low-stakes drama, making the everyday feel extraordinary.
In 2022, Zarr ventured into middle grade with A Song Called Home, a tender tale of a fifth-grader facing family challenges. Her nonfiction, like Courageous Creativity, inspires young writers, while her podcast, This Creative Life, offers a peek into the writing world through chats with fellow authors.
Why Sara Zarr Matters
Sara Zarr’s impact lies in her ability to make the ordinary profound. Her novels resonate with teens and adults alike, offering a mirror to those wrestling with identity, faith, or family. By tackling tough topics like alcoholism and loss with sensitivity, she creates safe spaces for readers to process their own struggles. Her work has earned spots on best books lists from the American Library Association to the New York Public Library, and her debut’s TV adaptation, directed by Kyra Sedgwick, brought her stories to new audiences. As a faculty member at Lesley University’s MFA program, Zarr nurtures the next generation of writers, cementing her legacy in young adult literature.
About Sara Zarr
- Born: October 3, 1970, in Cleveland, Ohio
- Key Works: Story of a Girl, Sweethearts, How to Save a Life, A Song Called Home
- Awards: National Book Award finalist (2007), two-time Utah Book Award winner
- Fun Fact: She hosts the podcast This Creative Life, chatting with writers about craft and creativity.
Snag Story of a Girl or How to Save a Life and dive into Sara Zarr’s heartfelt world of young adult realism!