Elana K. Arnold is one of the boldest voices in young adult literature today. Her award-winning books — Damsel, Red Hood, What Girls Are Made Of, and more — tackle power, consent, and girlhood with unflinching honesty. But with that truth-telling comes backlash. Her stories have earned national honors—and been pulled from shelves.
In this powerful and personal interview, Elana reflects on the experiences that shaped her voice, the emotional weight of censorship, and why she keeps writing for readers who need her stories most.
🎙 What we cover in this interview:
How her upbringing shaped her voice as a writer
The emotional toll of seeing her books banned
Her hopes for young readers and their right to choose
The courage it takes to write truthfully
What shifts when writing for younger kids vs. teens
📚 Learn more about Elana K. Arnold: https://elanakarnold.com/
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