Nancy Forbes

Nancy Forbes is an acclaimed author of novels and short stories for young adults. She writes about difficult topics, such as mental health, family dynamics, and identity, with sensitivity and a unique voice. For her profound exploration of complex issues and her emotionally-charged storylines, Forbes has received numerous honors, including being a finalist for the 2021 National Book Award in Young People’s Literature.

Forbes grew up in the small town of Shelburne, Vermont. She has often said that her childhood, surrounded by the beauty of nature, helped to cultivate within her a deep appreciation for the power of story. In high school, she started to write short stories and eventually decided to pursue writing as a profession after graduation.

Forbes obtained her bachelor's degree in English from Middlebury College and went on to receive her master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan. While in Michigan, she had the opportunity to work with esteemed writers and to workshop her stories with her peers. Despite her successes as a writer, she was rejected by nearly every publishing house she submitted her manuscripts to.

Refusing to give up on her dream, Forbes kept writing and eventually self-published. Her first book, Nothing to Prove, was a collection of short stories about teenage girls finding their strength and courage during tumultuous times. The book received critical acclaim and was nominated for the IndieFab Best Short Story Collection award.

In 2013, Forbes published her first novel for young adults, The Light Between Us. The book, which is told from two perspectives, follows two teens, Lily and Mollie, who discover a powerful connection between them. Running parallel to the story is Lily's battle with a mental health disorder and Mollie's struggles with feelings of abandonment. The New York Times praised the novel for its “richly drawn characters, powerful story and emotionally charged plot.”

Since then, Forbes has gone on to write many more successful books, including The Schoenberg Matter, Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits, and Beauty in the Breakdown. The Schoenberg Matter, which follows a teenage boy who unravels the mystery surrounding his lost mother, was a finalist for the National Book Award in Young People’s Literature.

When not writing, Forbes likes to spend time outdoors, exploring and reading. She is also very active on social media, where she updates her fans on her progress and interacts with them. She has also been a guest speaker at many events and recently spoke at a virtual event organized by the University of Pennsylvania.

Forbes’s stories offer readers an opportunity to explore difficult topics but with understanding and empathy. She has inspired many young readers to pursue their passions and to never give up on their dreams. Her thoughtful and courageous writing has made her one of the most respected authors of young adult fiction today.