Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned fairy tales upside down with a modern, feminist twist—meet Sarah Mlynowski! Born in Montreal, this New York Times bestselling author has charmed readers worldwide with her playful middle-grade series, Whatever After, and her witty young adult and adult novels. From reimagining Snow White to crafting magical sisterhoods, Mlynowski’s stories blend humor, heart, and a dash of magic.
With over 600,000 copies of her debut novel sold globally and translations in 29 languages, Mlynowski has built a literary empire that resonates with kids, teens, and adults alike. Her knack for fractured fairy tales and relatable characters makes her a standout in contemporary fiction. Let’s dive into her journey, works, and why she’s a must-read!
The Making of Sarah Mlynowski
Sarah Mlynowski was born on January 4, 1977, in Montreal, Canada, to romance writer Elissa Ambrose. Growing up, Sarah was spinning stories by age three, dictating princess tales to her mom. Her love for fairy tales and fractured narratives shaped her imagination. After earning an honors degree in English literature from McGill University, she moved to Toronto to work at Harlequin Enterprises, where romance novels fueled her creative spark. Her experiences there inspired her first novel, Milkrun, a chick-lit hit that launched her career.
By her mid-20s, Sarah was ready to write full-time. After her second novel, Fishbowl, earned accolades, she relocated to New York City, where she lives with her husband, Todd, and their two daughters, Chloe and Anabelle. Her childhood love for storytelling and her role as a mother continue to inspire her work.
Sarah Mlynowski’s Unforgettable Stories
Mlynowski’s bibliography is a treasure trove of over 50 books across genres. Her crown jewel, the Whatever After series, follows siblings Abby and Jonah as they tumble into fairy tales like Cinderella and Snow White, rewriting endings with modern flair. With over five million copies in print, the series is a middle-grade sensation, praised for its empowering messages and humor. Books like Fairest of All and If the Shoe Fits delight readers with clever twists and girl-power vibes.
For young adults, the Magic in Manhattan series, starting with Bras & Broomsticks, blends magic and sisterly drama. Titles like Frogs & French Kisses explore jealousy and love with a supernatural twist, inspired by Mlynowski’s relationship with her sister, Aviva. Her adult novels, like Milkrun and Fishbowl, offer sharp, relatable takes on romance and friendship, while collaborative works like How to Be Bad showcase her versatility. Mlynowski’s style—witty, accessible, and layered with feminist undertones—makes her stories universally appealing.
Her co-authored Upside-Down Magic series, adapted into a Disney Channel movie, and the Best Wishes series further highlight her ability to craft magical, friendship-driven tales. Whether she’s tweaking fairy tales or exploring teen angst, Mlynowski’s narratives are grounded in real emotions, making her characters feel like friends.
Why Sarah Mlynowski Matters
Sarah Mlynowski’s impact lies in her ability to modernize classic tales while championing strong, relatable heroines. Her Whatever After series has redefined fairy tales for a new generation, blending humor with lessons on agency and resilience. By co-founding OMG BookFest, a middle-grade book festival, she’s fostered a love of reading in underserved communities, connecting authors and young fans.
Her global reach—books translated into 29 languages and optioned for Hollywood—underscores her influence. Mlynowski’s stories resonate because they balance fun with depth, appealing to readers of all ages. As a mother and writer, she continues to inspire, proving fairy tales can evolve with the times.
- Born: January 4, 1977, Montreal, Canada
- Key Works: Whatever After, Magic in Manhattan, Milkrun, Upside-Down Magic
- Fun Fact: Her daughter’s love for fairy tales inspired Whatever After!
Snag Fairest of All or Bras & Broomsticks and dive into Sarah Mlynowski’s magical, laugh-out-loud world!