Picture a Liberian storyteller who wove magic and history into a spellbinding debut—meet Wayétu Moore! Born in Liberia and shaped by a dramatic escape from civil war, Moore channels her vibrant heritage into tales that dance between reality and myth. Her work, like the acclaimed She Would Be King, reimagines Liberia’s past with a fantastical flair, earning her a spot as a literary star.
Moore’s journey from Monrovia to global recognition is as captivating as her stories. Through her nonprofit, One Moore Book, she’s also a champion for children’s literacy, bringing culturally rich stories to young readers in underrepresented communities. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Wayétu Moore
Born in 1985 in Monrovia, Liberia, Wayétu Moore grew up in a family of five siblings, with parents who were esteemed educators. At age five, the First Liberian Civil War forced her family to flee, hiding in a village before reuniting with her mother, then studying at Columbia University. This harrowing escape, softened by her father’s magical tales of “dragons fighting,” sparked Moore’s love for storytelling. Raised in Texas and educated at Howard University, Columbia, and USC, she honed her craft, drawing inspiration from authors like Toni Morrison and Liberian poet Patricia Jabbeh Wesley.
Wayétu Moore’s Unforgettable Stories
Moore’s debut novel, She Would Be King (2018), is a magical realist masterpiece that reimagines Liberia’s founding. Through three superhuman characters—Gbessa, an immortal Vai woman; June Dey, a strong escaped slave; and Norman Aragon, who can vanish—the novel explores identity, diaspora, and resistance. Critics, including The New York Times, praised its lyrical prose and vivid historical tapestry.
Her memoir, The Dragons, The Giant, The Women (2020), blends her childhood war experiences with reflections on Black womanhood, earning accolades as a New York Times Notable Book. Moore also penned children’s books like I Love Liberia and My Little Muse through One Moore Book, infusing young readers with pride in their heritage. Her style, rooted in African oral traditions, weaves myth and history into narratives that feel both timeless and urgent.
Moore’s work often tackles heavy themes—colonialism, displacement, cultural hybridity—but her light, poetic touch makes them accessible and enchanting. Whether exploring Liberia’s complex identity or the resilience of Black women, her stories resonate with readers worldwide.
Why Wayétu Moore Matters
Wayétu Moore’s impact stretches beyond the page. Through One Moore Book, founded in 2011, she’s opened bookstores in Liberia and published culturally relevant children’s books, boosting literacy in low-resource communities. Her advocacy for diverse literature earned her features in The Economist and OkayAfrica’s 100 Women list. As a lecturer and Margaret Mead Fellow, she researches inclusive education, amplifying underrepresented voices.
Moore’s storytelling bridges the African diaspora, offering fresh perspectives on Liberia’s history and the global Black experience. Her ability to blend magical realism with historical nuance makes her a vital voice in contemporary literature, inspiring readers to embrace their roots and imagine new possibilities.
- Born: 1985 in Monrovia, Liberia
- Key Works: She Would Be King, The Dragons, The Giant, The Women, I Love Liberia
- Awards: 2019 Lannan Literary Fellowship for Fiction
- Fun Fact: Founded One Moore Book to bring culturally relevant stories to children
About Wayétu Moore
Snag She Would Be King and dive into Wayétu Moore’s magical realist world—a journey through Liberia’s soul you won’t forget!