📖 Overview
Kody Keplinger
Kody Keplinger is an American young adult and middle grade author, best known for her debut novel "The DUFF" which was adapted into a major motion picture. Born in 1991 in Owensboro, Kentucky, Keplinger wrote her breakout novel at age 17 while still in high school.
A graduate of Ithaca College, Keplinger has established herself in both contemporary young adult fiction and graphic novels. Her bibliography includes notable works such as "Shut Out," "A Midsummer's Nightmare," and "Run," as well as the DC Comics graphic novel "Poison Ivy: Thorns."
Born with Leber congenital amaurosis, Keplinger is legally blind and has incorporated her experiences into some of her work. Her writing frequently explores themes of identity, relationships, and social dynamics among teenagers, with her most recent works including "That's Not What Happened" and "Lila and Hadley."
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Keplinger's authentic teen voice and realistic portrayal of high school experiences, particularly in The DUFF. Many note her ability to address sexuality and relationships without judgment. Reviews highlight the strong character development and witty dialogue.
Readers connect with how she writes complex female friendships and family dynamics. One Goodreads reviewer said "She captures insecurity and self-discovery in a way that feels genuine rather than preachy."
Common criticisms include overuse of profanity, mature content some consider inappropriate for YA, and occasional plot predictability. Some readers find her protagonists too cynical or harsh.
Ratings across platforms:
The DUFF:
- Goodreads: 3.8/5 (190k ratings)
- Amazon: 4.4/5 (1.2k reviews)
Lying Out Loud:
- Goodreads: 3.7/5 (8k ratings)
- Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 reviews)
Run:
- Goodreads: 3.8/5 (3k ratings)
- Amazon: 4.2/5 (56 reviews)
📚 Books by Kody Keplinger
The DUFF - A high school senior must confront her identity after being labeled the "Designated Ugly Fat Friend" by a classmate.
Shut Out - Female athletes at Hamilton High organize a sex strike to end the rivalry between the soccer and football teams.
A Midsummer's Nightmare - A teen girl's summer becomes complicated when she moves in with her father and his new family, including an attractive soon-to-be stepbrother.
Run - Two teenage girls from different backgrounds form an unlikely friendship and flee their small Kentucky town together.
That's Not What Happened - A survivor of a school shooting works to correct the misconceptions about her best friend's death three years after the tragedy.
Poison Ivy: Thorns - A graphic novel depicting Pamela Isley's transformation into Poison Ivy during her high school years.
Lila and Hadley - A visually impaired teenager forms an unexpected bond with a German shepherd while working at a local dog shelter.
The Swift and the Brave - A middle-grade novel following a girl who discovers her mother's past as a roller derby star while dealing with her own vision impairment.
Shut Out - Female athletes at Hamilton High organize a sex strike to end the rivalry between the soccer and football teams.
A Midsummer's Nightmare - A teen girl's summer becomes complicated when she moves in with her father and his new family, including an attractive soon-to-be stepbrother.
Run - Two teenage girls from different backgrounds form an unlikely friendship and flee their small Kentucky town together.
That's Not What Happened - A survivor of a school shooting works to correct the misconceptions about her best friend's death three years after the tragedy.
Poison Ivy: Thorns - A graphic novel depicting Pamela Isley's transformation into Poison Ivy during her high school years.
Lila and Hadley - A visually impaired teenager forms an unexpected bond with a German shepherd while working at a local dog shelter.
The Swift and the Brave - A middle-grade novel following a girl who discovers her mother's past as a roller derby star while dealing with her own vision impairment.
👥 Similar authors
Jenny Han writes coming-of-age romance novels featuring complex female protagonists navigating relationships and identity. Her work includes "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" series and "The Summer I Turned Pretty" trilogy, both adapted for screen.
Sarah Dessen focuses on contemporary teen experiences with realistic family dynamics and romance plots. She writes standalone novels that deal with serious topics while maintaining focus on character growth and relationships.
Rainbow Rowell creates stories about misfit characters finding their place in both contemporary and fantasy settings. Her works include "Eleanor & Park" and "Fangirl," which deal with first love and self-discovery in similar ways to Keplinger's books.
Morgan Matson writes contemporary young adult novels centered on summer experiences and life changes. Her books feature strong female friendships and romance storylines that unfold against backdrops of family dynamics and personal growth.
Becky Albertalli writes contemporary young adult fiction focusing on teen relationships and identity exploration. Her books include "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" and share Keplinger's approach to authentic teen voices and social dynamics.
Sarah Dessen focuses on contemporary teen experiences with realistic family dynamics and romance plots. She writes standalone novels that deal with serious topics while maintaining focus on character growth and relationships.
Rainbow Rowell creates stories about misfit characters finding their place in both contemporary and fantasy settings. Her works include "Eleanor & Park" and "Fangirl," which deal with first love and self-discovery in similar ways to Keplinger's books.
Morgan Matson writes contemporary young adult novels centered on summer experiences and life changes. Her books feature strong female friendships and romance storylines that unfold against backdrops of family dynamics and personal growth.
Becky Albertalli writes contemporary young adult fiction focusing on teen relationships and identity exploration. Her books include "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" and share Keplinger's approach to authentic teen voices and social dynamics.