Leila Mottley

Leila Mottley is an acclaimed author and poet best known for her debut novel, "Nightcrawling," which was selected for Oprah’s Book Club and became a New York Times bestseller. The novel earned widespread recognition, including longlisting for the Booker Prize, the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel, and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award. Mottley further solidified her literary presence with her debut poetry collection, "Woke Up No Light," published in 2024. Her sophomore novel, "The Girls Who Grew Big," is slated for release in June 2025.

Mottley’s writing spans fiction and poetry, often exploring themes of identity, resilience, and social justice. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, and Marie Claire. Before her rise as a novelist, she was named the 2018 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, showcasing her early talent and commitment to storytelling. Born and raised in Oakland, California, Mottley draws inspiration from her hometown, infusing her narratives with authenticity and emotional depth.
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 Nightcrawling 2022