Picture an Irish storyteller who spun tales of conjoined twins and dystopian worlds with poetic grace—meet Sarah Crossan! This award-winning young adult author has captivated readers with her free-verse novels, blending raw emotion with lyrical storytelling. From her Carnegie Medal-winning One to the haunting Breathe, Crossan’s work dives deep into the human experience, making her a standout voice in contemporary literature.
Born in London and raised across Dublin, London, and New York, Crossan’s global upbringing shaped her unique perspective. Now settled in East Sussex, she crafts stories that resonate with teens and adults alike, earning her a place as Ireland’s former Children’s Literature Laureate. Let’s explore her journey, works, and lasting impact.
The Making of Sarah Crossan
Sarah Crossan’s path to authorship wasn’t a straight line. Growing up shy, she studied philosophy and literature at the University of Warwick, later earning a master’s in creative writing. She trained as an English and drama teacher at Cambridge, spending a decade teaching and promoting creative writing in schools. A pivotal moment came when a student challenged her to pursue her dream of writing, sparking her debut novel, The Weight of Water, written during a time of personal grief. Her 2010 Edward Albee Fellowship further fueled her creative leap, and by 2012, she was a full-time writer.
Sarah Crossan’s Unforgettable Stories
Crossan’s novels, often written in free verse, tackle heavy themes—identity, loss, and resilience—with a light, accessible touch. Her 2011 debut, The Weight of Water, follows a Polish immigrant’s struggles in England, earning a Carnegie Medal shortlist. Breathe (2012) and its sequel Resist dive into a dystopian world where oxygen is scarce, blending action with environmental commentary. One (2015), her crowning achievement, tells the story of conjoined twins Grace and Tippi, winning the CILIP Carnegie Medal, YA Book Prize, and CLiPPA Poetry Award for its poignant exploration of sisterhood and individuality.
Crossan’s later works, like Moonrise (2017) and Toffee (2019), continue her signature style, addressing grief and domestic violence with empathy. Her 2020 adult novel, Here Is the Beehive, marked a bold shift, earning critical acclaim. Her 2024 release, Where the Heart Should Be, revisits Ireland’s Great Hunger, weaving a love story amid historical tragedy. Translated into over 25 languages, Crossan’s work speaks universally, balancing raw emotion with hope.
Why Sarah Crossan Matters
Sarah Crossan’s impact lies in her ability to give voice to the marginalized—whether it’s conjoined twins, immigrants, or teens facing loss. Her free-verse style makes complex emotions accessible, inspiring young readers to embrace poetry and self-expression. As Ireland’s Laureate na nÓg (2018–2020), she launched the #WeAreThePoets project, encouraging teens to write poetry. Her work challenges stereotypes, fosters empathy, and reshapes young adult literature, earning her a devoted global following.
- Born: 1978, London
- Key Works: One, Breathe, The Weight of Water, Where the Heart Should Be
- Awards: CILIP Carnegie Medal (2016), YA Book Prize, CLiPPA Poetry Award
- Notable Role: Ireland’s Children’s Literature Laureate (2018–2020)
Snag One or Toffee and dive into Sarah Crossan’s poetic world—her stories will linger long after the last page!