Picture a poet and novelist who weaves love, loss, and self-discovery into stories that linger—meet Shana Youngdahl! This American author, born in Paradise, California, has enchanted readers with her acclaimed young adult novel As Many Nows As I Can Get and evocative poetry collections. Now an Associate Professor at Lindenwood University, Youngdahl’s journey from small-town roots to literary stardom is as inspiring as her work.
With a knack for capturing the messy beauty of coming-of-age, Youngdahl blends poetic precision with heartfelt storytelling. Her writing, often set against the backdrop of California or Maine, invites readers to explore the emotional landscapes of youth. Let’s dive into the life and works of this remarkable storyteller!
The Making of Shana Youngdahl
Born and raised in Paradise, California, Shana Youngdahl’s early life was shaped by the tight-knit community and natural beauty of her hometown. Her passion for language bloomed at the California State Summer School for the Arts, where she found a creative spark among fellow young artists. She earned a BA from Mills College and an MFA in Poetry from the University of Minnesota, honing her craft with a poet’s eye for detail. Before settling into academia, Youngdahl worked at iconic bookstores like The Booklegger in Eureka and Cody’s Books in Berkeley, where she introduced literary giants and soaked up the world of words.
Her teaching career began at the University of Maine at Farmington, where she nurtured young writers through the Longfellow Young Writers Workshop. Now at Lindenwood University, Youngdahl continues to inspire, blending her love for storytelling with a student-centered approach. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to fostering creativity in others while pursuing her own artistic vision.
Shana Youngdahl’s Unforgettable Stories
Youngdahl’s debut novel, As Many Nows As I Can Get (2019), is a standout in young adult literature. This poignant tale follows Scarlett, a physics-loving teen in small-town Colorado, navigating a whirlwind romance and the weight of grief. Praised for its non-linear narrative and emotional depth, the book earned a Kirkus Best Book of 2019, a New York Public Library Top Ten, and a Seventeen Magazine Best YA Book nod. Youngdahl’s poetic roots shine through, with vivid prose that captures the simultaneity of past and present, inspired by Einstein’s theories of time.
Her second novel, A Catalog of Burnt Objects (2024), draws on her Paradise upbringing, exploring a teen coder’s life before and after a devastating wildfire. This coming-of-age story blends love, loss, and resilience, showcasing Youngdahl’s ability to tackle tough themes with grace. Her poetry collections, like A Cage To Welcome (2023) and History, Advice, and Other Half-Truths (2012), offer introspective, image-rich verses that delve into human connection and memory. Chapbooks such as Donner: A Passing and Winter/Window further highlight her lyrical versatility.
Youngdahl’s style is a unique fusion of poetic economy and narrative warmth. Her themes—grief, identity, and the search for belonging—resonate with readers of all ages, while her settings, from California’s wildfire-scarred hills to Maine’s quiet towns, ground her stories in vivid realism.
Why Shana Youngdahl Matters
Shana Youngdahl’s impact lies in her ability to speak to the heart of young adult experiences while elevating the genre with literary finesse. Her work bridges poetry and prose, offering teens and adults alike a mirror for their own struggles and dreams. As an educator, she’s a beacon for aspiring writers, particularly first-generation college students, guiding them to find their voices. Her involvement with the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance and awards like the 2017 American Antiquarian Society Artist Grant underscore her influence in literary communities.
Youngdahl’s stories remind us that even in loss, there’s hope and healing. Her Paradise-inspired narratives, especially post-wildfire, carry a timely message about resilience in the face of environmental and personal upheaval. She’s a storyteller who doesn’t just write—she transforms how we see the world.
- Born: Paradise, California
- Key Works: As Many Nows As I Can Get, A Catalog of Burnt Objects, A Cage To Welcome
- Awards: Kirkus Best Book 2019, 2017 American Antiquarian Society Artist Grant
Ready to lose yourself in Shana Youngdahl’s lyrical worlds? Grab As Many Nows As I Can Get and discover a storyteller who makes every moment count!