Amber Smith is a highly acclaimed author, well-known for her work in young adult and middle-grade novels. Hailing from Buffalo, New York, she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her wife and a number of rescue pets. As an advocate for mental health, gendered violence, and LGBTQIA+ equality, Smith aims to create dialogue and inspire change through her writing.
Smith has an impressive list of published novels to her name, including The Way I Used to Be, The Last to Let Go, Something Like Gravity, and The Way I Am Now. Her debut novel, The Way I Used to Be, was particularly successful, earning nominations for several prestigious awards such as the Nutmeg Book Award, Goodreads Choice Award, Eliot Rosewater Award, Bank Street Book of the Year award, and was also selected for the TAYSHAS List. Her subsequent books have also received critical acclaim, with her second novel garnering starred reviews from VOYA and Booklist, and being named as one of the most anticipated books by various publications.
In addition to her standalone novels, Smith has also contributed to the award-winning YA anthology, Our Stories, Our Voices. Her middle-grade debut, Code Name: Serendipity, was released in June 2019. Smith's writing is informed by her advocacy for increased awareness of mental health, gendered violence, and LGBTQIA+ equality. She hopes that her books can help to foster change and spark dialogue, making her a significant voice in contemporary literature.