Picture an American storyteller who weaves tales that linger in your heart and mind—meet Susan Vaught! A neuropsychologist by day and a literary wizard by night, Vaught crafts young adult and children’s fiction that tackles tough topics with sensitivity and humor. From the gripping Trigger to the award-winning Footer Davis Probably Is Crazy, her stories invite readers to think, feel, and escape into worlds where complex characters shine.
With a knack for blending raw emotion with captivating narratives, Vaught has earned accolades like the Edgar Award and a devoted following. Her unique perspective as an autistic neuropsychologist infuses her work with authenticity, making her a standout voice in contemporary fiction. Ready to dive into her journey?
The Making of Susan Vaught
Born on October 22, 1965, Susan Vaught grew up with a pen in hand, scribbling stories from age eight. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mississippi and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Vanderbilt University, specializing in neuropsychology and developmental disabilities. Her career as a neuropsychologist, including roles as Director of Neuropsychology and Clinical Director at a Tennessee hospital, gave her deep insights into the human mind—fuel for her storytelling. Now living on a Kentucky farm with her wife and a menagerie of pets, Vaught balances her dual passions: healing minds and crafting tales.
Susan Vaught’s Unforgettable Stories
Vaught’s bibliography is a treasure trove of young adult and middle-grade fiction, blending realistic themes with heartfelt narratives. Trigger (2006) follows Jersey Hatch, a teen navigating life after a failed suicide attempt, his brain injury portrayed with stunning authenticity drawn from Vaught’s professional expertise. The novel, named a Best Book for Young Adults by the American Library Association, captures the raw struggle and humor of recovery.
Stormwitch (2005), a historical fantasy, won the Carl Brandon Society Kindred Award for its vivid depiction of a young woman’s fight against oppression. Big Fat Manifesto (2007) introduces Jamie, a bold high school senior who owns her identity as a fat girl, tackling societal prejudice with wit and defiance. Meanwhile, Footer Davis Probably Is Crazy (2015), a middle-grade mystery, earned an Edgar Award for its quirky heroine and gripping plot about a fire and missing children.
Vaught’s style is unflinchingly honest, weaving themes of mental health, identity, and resilience into accessible, engaging stories. Her characters—often neurodiverse or marginalized—leap off the page, inviting readers to see the world through their eyes. Whether it’s a teen wrestling with trauma or a girl solving a mystery, Vaught’s narratives are both thought-provoking and deeply human.
Why Susan Vaught Matters
Susan Vaught’s impact lies in her ability to give voice to the voiceless. Her work as a neuropsychologist informs her nuanced portrayals of mental health and disability, challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy. Books like Trigger and Me and Sam-Sam Handle the Apocalypse resonate with teens and educators, sparking conversations about tough topics in classrooms and beyond. Her awards, including two Edgar Awards, highlight her skill in crafting mysteries that captivate young readers while addressing real-world issues.
As an autistic author, Vaught brings authenticity to her neurodiverse characters, enriching young adult and children’s literature with diverse perspectives. Her stories don’t just entertain—they empower readers to embrace their own complexities and question the world around them.
- Born: October 22, 1965
- Key Works: Trigger, Stormwitch, Big Fat Manifesto, Footer Davis Probably Is Crazy
- Awards: Edgar Award (2016), Carl Brandon Society Kindred Award (2006), Junior Library Guild selections
- Fun Fact: She lives on a Kentucky farm with a bossy parrot!
Snag Trigger or Footer Davis Probably Is Crazy and dive into Susan Vaught’s heartfelt, thought-provoking world!