Jump to content

Lauren Myracle: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
I added a trilogy of books by Myracle that were not previously listed on her page.
CanofCan (talk | contribs)
225 edits
 
(46 intermediate revisions by 32 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|American young adult novelist}}
{{Infobox writer
{{Infobox writer
| name = Lauren Myracle
| name = Lauren Myracle
| image = Lauren Myracle.jpg
| image = Lauren Myracle with husband Randy Bartels.jpg
| alt = Myracle with husband Randy Bartels in 2022
| alt = Myracle at the 2012 [[LA Times Festival of Books]]
| caption = Myracle at the 2012 [[LA Times Festival of Books]]
| caption = Myracle with husband [[Randy Bartels]] in 2022
| pseudonym =
| pseudonym =
| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|05|15}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|05|15}}
| birth_place = Brevard, North Carolina
| birth_place = [[Brevard, North Carolina]], U.S.
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| resting_place =
| resting_place =
| occupation = Novelist
| occupation = Novelist
| language =
| language =
| education = [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[Colorado State University]] ([[Master of Arts|MA]])<br>[[Vermont College of Fine Arts]] ([[Master of Fine Arts|MFA]])
| nationality = American
| ethnicity =
| alma_mater =
| citizenship =
| period =
| genre = Young adult fiction
| education = University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill <small>(B.A.)</small>; Colorado State University <small>(M.A.)</small>; Vermont College <small>(MFA)</small>
| subject = <!-- or: | subjects = -->
| alma_mater =
| period =
| movement =
| notableworks = <!-- or: | notablework = -->
| genre = Young adult fiction
| spouse = [[Randy Bartels]]
| subject = <!-- or: | subjects = -->
| partner = <!-- or: | partners = -->
| movement =
| notableworks = <!-- or: | notablework = -->
| children =
| spouse = <!-- or: | spouses = -->
| relatives =
| partner = <!-- or: | partners = -->
| awards =
| children =
| signature =
| relatives =
| signature_alt =
| awards =
| years_active =
| signature =
| module =
| website = {{url|http://www.laurenmyracle.com|Official website}}
| signature_alt =
| years_active =
| module =
| website = {{url|http://www.laurenmyracle.com|Official website}}
}}
}}


'''Lauren Myracle''' (born May 15, 1969) is an American writer of [[young adult fiction]]. She has written many novels, including the three best-selling "IM" books, ''[[ttyl (novel)|ttyl]]'', ''[[ttfn (novel)|ttfn]]'' and ''[[l8r, g8r]]''. Her book ''Thirteen Plus One'' was released May 4, 2010. Myracle's younger sister, [http://susanrebeccawhite.com Susan Rebecca White], writes adult fiction, including ''Bound South'' (2009), ''A Soft Place to Land'' (2010), and ''A Place at the Table'' (2013).
'''Lauren Myracle''' (born May 15, 1969) is an American writer of [[young adult fiction]]. She has written many novels, including the three best-selling "IM" books, ''[[ttyl (novel)|ttyl]]'', ''[[ttfn (novel)|ttfn]]'' and ''[[l8r, g8r]]''. Her book ''Thirteen Plus One'' was released May 4, 2010.


==Early life==
==Early life==
She was born in [[Brevard, North Carolina]], and is the oldest of three sisters and has three older brothers. She grew up in [[Atlanta, Georgia]], where she attended Trinity School and [[The Westminster Schools]].<ref name="bio">{{cite web|url=http://biography.jrank.org/pages/1743/Myracle-Lauren-1969.html |title=Lauren Myracle (1969–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights - Review, Novel, Kate, and Ttyl - JRank Articles |publisher=Biography.jrank.org |date= |accessdate=2014-02-10}}</ref><ref>[http://laurenmyracle.com/QA.html ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080716163111/http://laurenmyracle.com/QA.html |date=July 16, 2008 }}</ref> Myracle earned a BA in English and Psychology from [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]] where she was inducted into [[Phi Beta Kappa]].
Myracle was born in [[Brevard, North Carolina]], and is the oldest of three sisters and has three older brothers. She grew up in [[Atlanta, Georgia]], where she attended Trinity School and [[The Westminster Schools]].<ref>[http://laurenmyracle.com/QA.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080716163111/http://laurenmyracle.com/QA.html|date=July 16, 2008}}</ref> Myracle earned a BA in English and Psychology from [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]] where she was inducted into [[Phi Beta Kappa]].


After graduation, she worked for some time as a middle-school teacher in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and participated in the [[JET Programme]] in Japan.<ref name="childrenlit">{{cite web|url=http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/mai_myracle_lauren.html |title=Children's Literature - Meet Lauren Myracle |publisher=Childrenslit.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-10}}</ref> Myracle later earned an MA in English from [[Colorado State University]], where she taught for two years and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from [[Vermont College]].<ref name="bio"/>
After graduation, Myracle worked for some time as a middle-school teacher in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and participated in the [[JET Programme]] in Japan.<ref name="childrenlit">{{cite web |url=http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/mai_myracle_lauren.html |title=Children's Literature - Meet Lauren Myracle |publisher=Childrenslit.com |access-date=2014-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222010718/http://www.childrenslit.com/childrenslit/mai_myracle_lauren.html |archive-date=2014-02-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Myracle later earned an MA in English from [[Colorado State University]], where she taught for two years and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from [[Vermont College]].{{cn|date=August 2022}}


==Career==
==Career==


Myracle's first novel, ''Kissing Kate'', was released in 2003. Her middle-grade novel, ''[[The Winnie Years|Eleven]]'', came out 2004, and ''[[The Winnie Years|Twelve]]'' came out in 2007. Myracle published ''The Fashion Disaster that Changed My Life'' in 2005. ''Thirteen'' was released in March 2008. She recently also came out with the book ''Thirteen Plus One'' in 2010. She also wrote ''Rhymes with Witches'' and ''Bliss'', which came out in 2008, is its prequel. She also has a book entitled ''How to Be Bad'' with [[E. Lockhart]] and [[Sarah Mlynowski]].
Myracle's first novel, ''Kissing Kate'', was released in 2003. Her middle-grade novel, ''[[The Winnie Years|Eleven]]'', came out 2004, and ''[[The Winnie Years|Twelve]]'' came out in 2007. Myracle published ''The Fashion Disaster that Changed My Life'' in 2005. ''Thirteen'' was released in March 2008. She came out with the book ''Thirteen Plus One'' in 2010. She also wrote ''Rhymes with Witches'' and ''Bliss'', which came out in 2008, is its prequel. She also has a book entitled ''How to Be Bad'' with [[E. Lockhart]] and [[Sarah Mlynowski]].


The Internet Girls series comprises ''[[ttyl (novel)|ttyl]]'' (talk to you later), ''[[ttfn (novel)|ttfn]]'' (ta ta for now), and ''[[l8r, g8r]]'' (later, gator). It features three friends—Zoe, Maddie, and Angela—who experience typical high school drama: boys, drugs, alcohol, parties, driving, and college prep. The novels ''ttyl'' and ''ttfn'' were both [[New York Times Best Seller list|''New York Times'' bestsellers]], and ''ttyl'' was the first novel to be written entirely in [[instant message]]s.<ref name="childrenlit"/> Most of Myracle's novels take place in [[Atlanta, Georgia]] and are inspired by her childhood friends and experiences, and her large diverse family.
The Internet Girls series comprises ''[[ttyl (novel)|ttyl]]'' (talk to you later), ''[[ttfn (novel)|ttfn]]'' (ta ta for now), and ''[[l8r, g8r]]'' (later, gator). It features three friends—Zoe, Maddie, and Angela—who experience typical high school drama: boys, drugs, alcohol, parties, driving, and college prep. The novels ''ttyl'' and ''ttfn'' were both [[New York Times Best Seller list|''New York Times'' bestsellers]], and ''ttyl'' was the first novel to be written entirely in [[instant message]]s.<ref name="childrenlit"/> Most of Myracle's novels take place in [[Atlanta, Georgia]] and are inspired by her childhood friends and experiences, and her large diverse family.


In November, 2011, she published ''[[Shine (novel)|Shine]]'', which is set in rural western North Carolina and deals with a young girl's search for the perpetrators of a hate crime against her gay friend.
In November, 2011, she published ''[[Shine (Myracle novel)|Shine]]'', which is set in rural western North Carolina and deals with a young girl's search for the perpetrators of a hate crime against her gay friend.


Her latest work, released in August, 2013, is entitled ''[[The Infinite Moment of Us]]''. According to Publishers Weekly, the coming of age story "is a rewarding account of two young people whose insecurities and personal histories weigh on the romance they work to build with each other."<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/enwiki/w/infinite-moment-of-us-lauren-myracle/1114253992?ean=9781419707933 |title=The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle &#124; 9781419707933 &#124; Hardcover &#124; Barnes & Noble |publisher=Barnesandnoble.com |date= |accessdate=2014-02-10}}</ref>
Her latest work, released in August, 2013, is entitled ''[[The Infinite Moment of Us]]''. According to Publishers Weekly, the coming of age story "is a rewarding account of two young people whose insecurities and personal histories weigh on the romance they work to build with each other."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barnesandnoble.com/enwiki/w/infinite-moment-of-us-lauren-myracle/1114253992?ean=9781419707933 |title=The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle &#124; 9781419707933 &#124; Hardcover &#124; Barnes & Noble |publisher=Barnesandnoble.com |access-date=2014-02-10}}</ref>


==Controversy==
==Censorship==
Myracle's books, especially the ''Internet Girls'' series, have regularly been included in the [[American Library Association]]'s lists of the most frequently banned and challenged books in the United States. Challengers content the book due to offensive language and sexually explicit content, as well as being unsuited for the age group and going against a religious viewpoint.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Office for Intellectual Freedom |date=2013-03-26 |title=Top 10 Most Challenged Books Lists |url=http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10 |access-date=2021-03-06 |website=[[American Library Association]] |language=en}}</ref> The series was the ninth-most censored book between 2010 and 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2020-09-09 |title=Top 100 Most Banned and Challenged Books: 2010-2019 |url=https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/decade2019 |access-date=2022-08-06 |website=Advocacy, Legislation & Issues |language=en}}</ref> In 2009 and 2011, they topped the association's list for the top ten most censored books of the year.<ref name=":2" /> The book was also included in the top-ten list for 2008 (third) and 2007 (seventh).<ref name=":2" />


According to the [[American Library Association]], Myracle's books were the most challenged books of 2009 and 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged |title=Frequently challenged books of the 21st century &#124; American Library Association |publisher=Ala.org |date= |accessdate=2012-04-15}}</ref> Her books continue to be challenged in school libraries, usually for scenes of alleged sexuality, homosexuality, or alcohol use. [[Scholastic Books]] nearly refused to carry ''Luv Ya Bunches'' at its national school book fair events because the book features lesbian mothers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6703349.html |title=ScholasticCensors Myracle's 'Luv Ya Bunches' from Book Fairs |publisher=Schoollibraryjournal.com |date=2009-10-21 |accessdate=2012-04-15}}</ref> Scholastic recanted its initial decision after a large internet outcry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6704350.html?desc=topstory |title=Scholastic to Sell 'Luv Ya Bunches' at Middle School Book Fairs |publisher=Schoollibraryjournal.com |date=2009-10-30 |accessdate=2012-04-15}}</ref>
[[Scholastic Books]] nearly refused to carry ''Luv Ya Bunches'' at its national school book fair events because the book features lesbian mothers.<ref>{{cite web |date=2009-10-21 |title=ScholasticCensors Myracle's 'Luv Ya Bunches' from Book Fairs |url=http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6703349.html |access-date=2012-04-15 |publisher=Schoollibraryjournal.com}}</ref> Scholastic recanted its initial decision after a large internet outcry.<ref>{{cite web |date=2009-10-30 |title=Scholastic to Sell 'Luv Ya Bunches' at Middle School Book Fairs |url=http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6704350.html?desc=topstory |access-date=2012-04-15 |publisher=Schoollibraryjournal.com}}</ref>


In 2022, three of Myracle's novels (''ttyl, ttfn,'' and ''Shine'') were listed among 52 books banned by the [[Alpine School District]] following the implementation of Utah law H.B. 374, “Sensitive Materials In Schools,"<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2022-08-01 |title=Ban on 52 Books in Largest Utah School District is a Worrisome Escalation of Censorship |url=https://pen.org/press-release/ban-on-52-books-in-largest-utah-school-district-is-a-worrisome-escalation-of-censorship/ |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=PEN America |language=en}}</ref> 42removed books “feature LBGTQ+ characters and or themes.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=School District Removes 52 Books From Libraries |url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-features/articles/school-district-removes-52-books-from-libraries/ |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=Kirkus Reviews |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":03">{{Cite web |date=2022-08-01 |title=Ban on 52 Books in Largest Utah School District is a Worrisome Escalation of Censorship |url=https://pen.org/press-release/ban-on-52-books-in-largest-utah-school-district-is-a-worrisome-escalation-of-censorship/ |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=PEN America |language=en}}</ref> Many of the books were removed because they were considered to contain pornographic material according to the new law, which defines porn using the following criteria:
Myracle is highly critical of adults attempting to keep books away from teenagers, believing that kids are smart enough to understand the message in books and learn their lessons. Regarding her own children's reading, she says "As a mom, I want my kids to read any book they want! I want them to read."<ref>{{cite news |title=Should This Woman's Books Be Banned? |author=Abigail Pesta |date=April 11, 2012 |work=Daily Beast |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/04/11/lauren-myracle-on-why-her-books-top-list-that-america-wants-banned.html?obref=obinsite |accessdate=April 13, 2012}}</ref>

* "The average person" would find that the material, on the whole, "appeals to prurient interest in sex"<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Mullahy |first=Brian |date=2022-07-28 |title=Alpine School District pulls dozens of books from school library shelves |url=https://kutv.com/news/crisis-in-the-classroom/alpine-school-district-pulls-dozens-sensitive-materials-books-from-school-library-shelves-utah-state-legislature |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=KUTV |language=en}}</ref>
* The material "is patently offensive in the description or depiction of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sadomasochistic abuse, or excretion"<ref name=":22" />
* The material, on the whole, "does not have serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value."<ref name=":22" />

Myracle has spoken at length about the angry responses she has received from those upset with her work such as one parent who stated that she could not “believe [that Myracle] introduced [her] 13-year-old daughter to [[thong underwear]].”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Stephan |date=2012-04-11 |title= Lauren Myracle On Why Her Books Top List That America Wants Banned |url= https://www.thedailybeast.com/lauren-myracle-on-why-her-books-top-list-that-america-wants-banned/|access-date=2024-12-29 |website=Daily Beast |language=en}}</ref> Another opponent was appalled at a hot tub scene in ''ttyl'' while a separate writer stated that the author did not have the right to “influence young girls to follow in [her] horrible footsteps.”<ref>{{Cite web |last=Myracle |first=Lauren |date=2014-04-09 |title= I'm With The Banned |url= https://www.huffpost.com/entry/im-with-the-banned_b_5113407|access-date=2024-12-29 |website=Huff Post |language=en}}</ref> Overall, the author herself has noted that opponents tend to consistently get upset over three subjects often found in her books: thongs, [[tampons]] and [[erection|erections.]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Stephan |date=2011-11-04 |title=Lauren Myracle: Her novels are beloved — and banned|url=https://ew.com/article/2011/11/04/lauren-myracle-her-novels-are-beloved-and-banned/ |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}}</ref>

Myracle is highly critical of adults attempting to keep books away from teenagers, believing that kids are smart enough to understand the message in books and learn their lessons. Regarding her own children's reading, she says "As a mom, I want my kids to read any book they want! I want them to read."<ref>{{cite news |title=Should This Woman's Books Be Banned? |author=Abigail Pesta |date=April 11, 2012 |work=Daily Beast |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/04/11/lauren-myracle-on-why-her-books-top-list-that-america-wants-banned.html?obref=obinsite |access-date=April 13, 2012}}</ref>


==Awards and honors==
==Awards and honors==


Her first novel, ''Kissing Kate'', was selected an Allie McNamara [[ALA Best Books for Young Adults]] for the year 2004.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} It was named by Booklist as one of the "Top Ten Youth Romances" of the year, as well as one of the "Top Ten Books by New Writers".{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}
Her first novel, ''Kissing Kate'', was selected an Allie McNamara [[ALA Best Books for Young Adults]] for the year 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|last=American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom|date=2007-07-30|title=Best Books for Young Adults Annotated List 2004|url=http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklists/bestbooksya/annotations/2004bestbooks|access-date=2021-03-06|website=Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=American Library Association|date=2010-04-04|title=Kissing Kate|url=http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/content/kissing-kate|access-date=2021-03-06|website=www.ala.org }}</ref> Booklist selected it as one of the "Top Ten Youth Romances" of the year, as well as one of the "Top Ten Books by New Writers".{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}


''Rhymes with Witches'' is included in [[Anita Silvey]]<nowiki>'</nowiki>s "500 Great Books for Teens"<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6xO6poXYhikC&pg=PA117&dq=%22lauren+myracle%22&lr=&sig=ACfU3U0ZkW0PPN3zvJy0_jXTbKNzsj5LxA |title=500 Great Books for Teens - Anita Silvey - Google Boeken |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=2012-04-15}}</ref> and was nominated for "Best Books for Young Adults" by the [[American Library Association]].<ref name="childrenlit"/>
''Rhymes with Witches'' is included in [[Anita Silvey]]'s ''500 Great Books for Teens''<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6xO6poXYhikC&q=%22lauren+myracle%22&pg=PA117 |title=500 Great Books for Teens - Anita Silvey - Google Boeken |date= 3 October 2006|isbn=0547523815 |access-date=2012-04-15|last1=Silvey |first1=Anita |publisher=HarperCollins }}</ref> and was nominated for "Best Books for Young Adults" by the [[American Library Association]].<ref name="childrenlit"/>


===National Book Foundation controversy===
===National Book Foundation controversy===


In October, 2011, a controversy occurred when the [[National Book Foundation]] listed ''[[Shine (novel)|Shine]]'' as one of the five finalists for its annual [[National Book Award for Young People's Literature]]. Then it announced a mistake: ''[[Chime (2011 novel)|Chime]]'' was the intended finalist; it would make an exception and consider six finalists.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/12/national-book-awards-finalists-2011_n_1007067.html |title=Wrong Title Announced At Presentation Of National Book Awards 2011 Finalists |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date= 2011-10-12|accessdate=2014-02-10 |first=Andrew |last=Losowsky}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/post/national-book-awards-telephone-mixup-the-award-finalist-who-wasnt/2011/10/17/gIQAcsQYsL_blog.html |title=National Book Awards mixup: The finalist who wasn't - The Reliable Source |publisher=The Washington Post |date=2011-10-18 |accessdate=2014-02-10}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, NBF asked her to withdraw ''Shine'' from consideration and Myracle agreed to do so.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/17/she-coulda-been-a-contender-national-book-award-finalist-withdraws-after-mistake/|title=She Coulda Been a Contender: National Book Award Finalist Withdraws After Mistake|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|accessdate=2014-02-10|first=Julie|last=Bosman|date=2011-10-17}}</ref>
In October, 2011, a controversy occurred when the [[National Book Foundation]] listed ''[[Shine (Myracle novel)|Shine]]'' as one of the five finalists for its annual [[National Book Award for Young People's Literature]]. Then it announced a mistake: ''[[Chime (2011 novel)|Chime]]'' was the intended finalist; it would make an exception and consider six finalists.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/12/national-book-awards-finalists-2011_n_1007067.html |title=Wrong Title Announced At Presentation Of National Book Awards 2011 Finalists |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date= 2011-10-12|access-date=2014-02-10 |first=Andrew |last=Losowsky}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/post/national-book-awards-telephone-mixup-the-award-finalist-who-wasnt/2011/10/17/gIQAcsQYsL_blog.html |title=National Book Awards mixup: The finalist who wasn't - The Reliable Source |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=2011-10-18 |access-date=2014-02-10}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, NBF asked her to withdraw ''Shine'' from consideration and Myracle agreed to do so.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/17/she-coulda-been-a-contender-national-book-award-finalist-withdraws-after-mistake/|title=She Coulda Been a Contender: National Book Award Finalist Withdraws After Mistake|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=2014-02-10|first=Julie|last=Bosman|date=2011-10-17}}</ref>


==Published works==
==Published works==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}


===Series===
=== Series ===

==== The Winnie Years (2004–2010) ====

* ''Ten'' (2010)
* ''Eleven'' (2004)
* ''Twelve'' (2007)
* ''Thirteen'' (2008)
* ''Thirteen Plus One'' (2009)

==== Internet Girls (2005–2014) ====

* ''[[ttyl]]'' (2005)
* [[Ttfn (novel)|''ttfn'']] (2007)
* ''[[l8r, g8r]]'' (2008)
* bff (2009)
* ''yolo'' (2014)

==== Flower Power (2009–2013) ====

* ''[[Luv Ya Bunches]]'' (2009)
* ''Violet in Bloom'' (2010)
* ''Oopsy Daisy'' (2011)
* ''Awesome Blossom'' (2013)

==== The Life of Ty (2013–2015) ====


* ''Penguin Problems'' (2013)
====The Winnie Years====
* ''Non-Random Acts of Kindness'' (2014)
#''Ten'' (2010)
#''Eleven'' (2004)
* ''Friends of a Feather'' (2015)
#''Twelve'' (2007)
#''Thirteen'' (2008)
#''Thirteen Plus One'' (2009)


==== Upside-Down Magic (2015–2019) ====
====''Internet Girls'' series====
[[Upside-Down Magic|This series]] was co-written with [[Sarah Mlynowski]] and [[E. Lockhart]].
#''[[ttyl (novel)|ttyl]]'' (2005)
#''[[ttfn (novel)|ttfn]]'' (2007)
#''[[l8r, g8r]]'' (2008)
#''bff'' (2009) (A special fill-in-the-blank book.)
#''yolo (2014)


* ''Upside Down Magic'' (2015)
====Flower Power series====
#''[[Luv Ya Bunches]]'' (2009)
* ''Sticks & Stones'' (2016)
#''Violet In Bloom'' (2010)
* ''Showing Off'' (2016)
#''Oopsy Daisy'' (2011)
* ''Dragon Overnight'' (2018)
#''Awesome Blossom'' (2013)
* ''Weather or Not'' (2018)
* ''The Big Shrink'' (2019)


====''The Life of Ty'' series====
==== Wishing Day (2016–2018) ====
#''Penguin Problems'' (2013)
#''Non-Random Acts of Kindness'' (2014)
#''Friends of a Feather'' (2015)


* Wishing Day (2016)
====''[[Upside-Down Magic]]'' series====
* The Forgetting Spell (2017)
:by [[Sarah Mlynowski]], Lauren Myracle, and [[Emily Jenkins]]
* The Backward Season (2018)
#''Upside-Down Magic''
#''Sticks & Stones''
#''Showing Off''
#''Dragon Overnight''
#''Weather or Not''
#''The Big Shrink''
{{Col-break}}


=== Stand-alone novels, short stories, and comics ===
====''[[Wishing Day]]'' series====
#''Wishing Day'' (2016)
#''The Forgetting Spell'' (2017)
#''The Backward Season'' (2018)


* ''Kissing Kate'' (2003)
===Stand-Alone Novels and Short Stories===
* ''The Fashion Disaster That Changed My Life'' (2005)
*''Kissing Kate'' (2003)
* “Such a Pretty Face,” published in the short story anthology ''Four Summer Stories: Fireworks'' (2007)
*''The Fashion Disaster that Changed My Life'' (2005)
* ''[[Prom Nights from Hell]]'', co-written by Lauren Myracle, [[Meg Cabot]], [[Kim Harrison]], [[Michele Jaffe]], and [[Stephenie Meyer]] (2007)
*''Rhymes With Witches'' (2005)
* ''How to Be Sad,'' cowritten by Lauren Myracle, [[Sarah Mlynowski]], and [[E. Lockhart]] (2008)
* "Such a Pretty Face", in ''Four Summer Stories: Fireworks'' (2007), short story anthology
* ''Bliss'' (2008)
*''Prom Nights from Hell'', co-written with [[Meg Cabot]], [[Kim Harrison]], [[Michele Jaffe]], and [[Stephenie Meyer]] (2007)
* ''[[Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances|Let It Snow]],'' cowritten by Lauren Myracle, [[Maureen Johnson]], and [[John Green]] (2008)
*''How to Be Bad'', co-written with Sarah Mlynowski and E. Lockhart (2008)
* ''Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks'' (2009)
*''Bliss'' (2008)
* ''Shine'' (2009)
*''[[Let It Snow (novel)|Let It Snow]]'', co-written with [[Maureen Johnson]] and [[John Green (author)|John Green]] (2008)
*''Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks'' (2009)
* ''The Infinite Moment of Us'' (2013)
* ''Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale'', a graphic novel in the [[DC Ink]] line, based on [[Catwoman (Selina Kyle)|Catwoman/Selina Kyle]] (2019). This book was a 2019 [[Goodreads Choice Awards|Goodreads Choice Award]] Nominee for Graphic Novels and Comics.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Under the Moon|url=https://www.goodreads.com/work/best_book/60077998-under-the-moon-a-catwoman-tale|access-date=2021-03-06|website=Goodreads}}</ref>
*''[[Shine (novel)|Shine]]'' (2011)
* ''Victor and Nora A Gotham Love Story'', a graphic novel in the DC Ink line, based on [[Mr. Freeze]] and his wife, Nora Kumar (2020)
*''The Infinite Moment of Us''
*''Under the Moon'' {a graphic novel of the DC INK line, based on Catwoman/Selina Kyle} (2019)
{{Col-end}}


==References==
==References==
Line 142: Line 152:
{{DEFAULTSORT:Myracle}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Myracle}}
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:1969 births]]
[[Category:21st-century American novelists]]
[[Category:American young adult novelists]]
[[Category:American young adult novelists]]
[[Category:American chick lit writers]]
[[Category:American chick lit writers]]
Line 150: Line 161:
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American women novelists]]
[[Category:American women novelists]]
[[Category:Women writers of young adult literature]]
[[Category:American women writers of young adult literature]]
[[Category:The Westminster Schools alumni]]
[[Category:The Westminster Schools alumni]]
[[Category:21st-century American women writers]]

Latest revision as of 02:03, 30 December 2024

Lauren Myracle
Myracle with husband Randy Bartels in 2022
Myracle with husband Randy Bartels in 2022
Born (1969-05-15) May 15, 1969 (age 55)
Brevard, North Carolina, U.S.
OccupationNovelist
EducationUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA)
Colorado State University (MA)
Vermont College of Fine Arts (MFA)
GenreYoung adult fiction
SpouseRandy Bartels
Website
Official website

Lauren Myracle (born May 15, 1969) is an American writer of young adult fiction. She has written many novels, including the three best-selling "IM" books, ttyl, ttfn and l8r, g8r. Her book Thirteen Plus One was released May 4, 2010.

Early life

[edit]

Myracle was born in Brevard, North Carolina, and is the oldest of three sisters and has three older brothers. She grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where she attended Trinity School and The Westminster Schools.[1] Myracle earned a BA in English and Psychology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

After graduation, Myracle worked for some time as a middle-school teacher in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and participated in the JET Programme in Japan.[2] Myracle later earned an MA in English from Colorado State University, where she taught for two years and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College.[citation needed]

Career

[edit]

Myracle's first novel, Kissing Kate, was released in 2003. Her middle-grade novel, Eleven, came out 2004, and Twelve came out in 2007. Myracle published The Fashion Disaster that Changed My Life in 2005. Thirteen was released in March 2008. She came out with the book Thirteen Plus One in 2010. She also wrote Rhymes with Witches and Bliss, which came out in 2008, is its prequel. She also has a book entitled How to Be Bad with E. Lockhart and Sarah Mlynowski.

The Internet Girls series comprises ttyl (talk to you later), ttfn (ta ta for now), and l8r, g8r (later, gator). It features three friends—Zoe, Maddie, and Angela—who experience typical high school drama: boys, drugs, alcohol, parties, driving, and college prep. The novels ttyl and ttfn were both New York Times bestsellers, and ttyl was the first novel to be written entirely in instant messages.[2] Most of Myracle's novels take place in Atlanta, Georgia and are inspired by her childhood friends and experiences, and her large diverse family.

In November, 2011, she published Shine, which is set in rural western North Carolina and deals with a young girl's search for the perpetrators of a hate crime against her gay friend.

Her latest work, released in August, 2013, is entitled The Infinite Moment of Us. According to Publishers Weekly, the coming of age story "is a rewarding account of two young people whose insecurities and personal histories weigh on the romance they work to build with each other."[3]

Censorship

[edit]

Myracle's books, especially the Internet Girls series, have regularly been included in the American Library Association's lists of the most frequently banned and challenged books in the United States. Challengers content the book due to offensive language and sexually explicit content, as well as being unsuited for the age group and going against a religious viewpoint.[4] The series was the ninth-most censored book between 2010 and 2019.[5] In 2009 and 2011, they topped the association's list for the top ten most censored books of the year.[4] The book was also included in the top-ten list for 2008 (third) and 2007 (seventh).[4]

Scholastic Books nearly refused to carry Luv Ya Bunches at its national school book fair events because the book features lesbian mothers.[6] Scholastic recanted its initial decision after a large internet outcry.[7]

In 2022, three of Myracle's novels (ttyl, ttfn, and Shine) were listed among 52 books banned by the Alpine School District following the implementation of Utah law H.B. 374, “Sensitive Materials In Schools,"[8] 42removed books “feature LBGTQ+ characters and or themes.”[9][10] Many of the books were removed because they were considered to contain pornographic material according to the new law, which defines porn using the following criteria:

  • "The average person" would find that the material, on the whole, "appeals to prurient interest in sex"[11]
  • The material "is patently offensive in the description or depiction of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sadomasochistic abuse, or excretion"[11]
  • The material, on the whole, "does not have serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value."[11]

Myracle has spoken at length about the angry responses she has received from those upset with her work such as one parent who stated that she could not “believe [that Myracle] introduced [her] 13-year-old daughter to thong underwear.”[12] Another opponent was appalled at a hot tub scene in ttyl while a separate writer stated that the author did not have the right to “influence young girls to follow in [her] horrible footsteps.”[13] Overall, the author herself has noted that opponents tend to consistently get upset over three subjects often found in her books: thongs, tampons and erections.[14]

Myracle is highly critical of adults attempting to keep books away from teenagers, believing that kids are smart enough to understand the message in books and learn their lessons. Regarding her own children's reading, she says "As a mom, I want my kids to read any book they want! I want them to read."[15]

Awards and honors

[edit]

Her first novel, Kissing Kate, was selected an Allie McNamara ALA Best Books for Young Adults for the year 2004.[16][17] Booklist selected it as one of the "Top Ten Youth Romances" of the year, as well as one of the "Top Ten Books by New Writers".[citation needed]

Rhymes with Witches is included in Anita Silvey's 500 Great Books for Teens[18] and was nominated for "Best Books for Young Adults" by the American Library Association.[2]

National Book Foundation controversy

[edit]

In October, 2011, a controversy occurred when the National Book Foundation listed Shine as one of the five finalists for its annual National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Then it announced a mistake: Chime was the intended finalist; it would make an exception and consider six finalists.[19][20] Shortly thereafter, NBF asked her to withdraw Shine from consideration and Myracle agreed to do so.[21]

Published works

[edit]

Series

[edit]

The Winnie Years (2004–2010)

[edit]
  • Ten (2010)
  • Eleven (2004)
  • Twelve (2007)
  • Thirteen (2008)
  • Thirteen Plus One (2009)

Internet Girls (2005–2014)

[edit]

Flower Power (2009–2013)

[edit]
  • Luv Ya Bunches (2009)
  • Violet in Bloom (2010)
  • Oopsy Daisy (2011)
  • Awesome Blossom (2013)

The Life of Ty (2013–2015)

[edit]
  • Penguin Problems (2013)
  • Non-Random Acts of Kindness (2014)
  • Friends of a Feather (2015)

Upside-Down Magic (2015–2019)

[edit]

This series was co-written with Sarah Mlynowski and E. Lockhart.

  • Upside Down Magic (2015)
  • Sticks & Stones (2016)
  • Showing Off (2016)
  • Dragon Overnight (2018)
  • Weather or Not (2018)
  • The Big Shrink (2019)

Wishing Day (2016–2018)

[edit]
  • Wishing Day (2016)
  • The Forgetting Spell (2017)
  • The Backward Season (2018)

Stand-alone novels, short stories, and comics

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ [1] Archived July 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ a b c "Children's Literature - Meet Lauren Myracle". Childrenslit.com. Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  3. ^ "The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle | 9781419707933 | Hardcover | Barnes & Noble". Barnesandnoble.com. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  4. ^ a b c Office for Intellectual Freedom (2013-03-26). "Top 10 Most Challenged Books Lists". American Library Association. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  5. ^ "Top 100 Most Banned and Challenged Books: 2010-2019". Advocacy, Legislation & Issues. 2020-09-09. Retrieved 2022-08-06.
  6. ^ "ScholasticCensors Myracle's 'Luv Ya Bunches' from Book Fairs". Schoollibraryjournal.com. 2009-10-21. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
  7. ^ "Scholastic to Sell 'Luv Ya Bunches' at Middle School Book Fairs". Schoollibraryjournal.com. 2009-10-30. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
  8. ^ "Ban on 52 Books in Largest Utah School District is a Worrisome Escalation of Censorship". PEN America. 2022-08-01. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  9. ^ "School District Removes 52 Books From Libraries". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  10. ^ "Ban on 52 Books in Largest Utah School District is a Worrisome Escalation of Censorship". PEN America. 2022-08-01. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  11. ^ a b c Mullahy, Brian (2022-07-28). "Alpine School District pulls dozens of books from school library shelves". KUTV. Retrieved 2022-08-05.
  12. ^ Lee, Stephan (2012-04-11). "Lauren Myracle On Why Her Books Top List That America Wants Banned". Daily Beast. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  13. ^ Myracle, Lauren (2014-04-09). "I'm With The Banned". Huff Post. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  14. ^ Lee, Stephan (2011-11-04). "Lauren Myracle: Her novels are beloved — and banned". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  15. ^ Abigail Pesta (April 11, 2012). "Should This Woman's Books Be Banned?". Daily Beast. Retrieved April 13, 2012.
  16. ^ American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom (2007-07-30). "Best Books for Young Adults Annotated List 2004". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  17. ^ American Library Association (2010-04-04). "Kissing Kate". www.ala.org. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
  18. ^ Silvey, Anita (3 October 2006). 500 Great Books for Teens - Anita Silvey - Google Boeken. HarperCollins. ISBN 0547523815. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
  19. ^ Losowsky, Andrew (2011-10-12). "Wrong Title Announced At Presentation Of National Book Awards 2011 Finalists". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  20. ^ "National Book Awards mixup: The finalist who wasn't - The Reliable Source". The Washington Post. 2011-10-18. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  21. ^ Bosman, Julie (2011-10-17). "She Coulda Been a Contender: National Book Award Finalist Withdraws After Mistake". The New York Times. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  22. ^ "Under the Moon". Goodreads. Retrieved 2021-03-06.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Lauren_Myracle&oldid=1266091677"