Andrew Joseph White

Andrew Joseph White is an American young adult fiction author known for writing dystopian novels featuring LGBTQ+ themes and characters. His breakout novel "Hell Followed with Us" (2022) became a New York Times bestseller and established him as a notable voice in contemporary young adult literature. White holds an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University and began writing stories centered on queer characters at age twelve. His work has garnered attention for addressing complex themes and incorporating elements of horror and dystopian fiction within young adult narratives. A graduate of Handley High School in Winchester, Virginia, White participated in the Project Write program during his teenage years, helping to develop his craft as an author. He is currently married to speculative fiction author Alice Scott and continues to write stories that explore LGBTQ+ perspectives. His writing style has been recognized for its incorporation of difficult truths and complex character development, particularly in relation to queer themes. White's work positions him as part of a new generation of authors expanding the boundaries of young adult fiction.

Readers praise White's raw, unflinching approach to horror and queer representation in YA fiction. Many reviews highlight his ability to balance intense horror elements with authentic character relationships. What readers liked: - Direct handling of trauma and anger in queer narratives - Visceral, detailed horror scenes - Complex character development - Authentic trans representation - Fast-paced plotting What readers disliked: - Graphic violence level too intense for some YA readers - Some found the pacing uneven - Religious themes uncomfortable for certain readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Hell Followed with Us - 4.2/5 (23,000+ ratings) Amazon: Hell Followed with Us - 4.5/5 (1,000+ reviews) Notable reader comments: "Finally a book that lets queer characters be angry" - Goodreads reviewer "Too gory for teens" - Amazon reviewer "The body horror is intense but serves the story" - StoryGraph review

Hell Followed with Us (2022) A post-apocalyptic novel following a trans teen who escapes a cult that unleashed a deadly virus, while dealing with the monster they turned him into and finding refuge with a group of LGBTQ+ teens.

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth (2024) A gothic horror story set in 1883 at a conversion therapy institute, where a trans boy discovers dark secrets while being haunted by ghosts who need his help to expose the truth.

Dashka Slater writes novels that combine social issues with suspense-driven narratives and features marginalized protagonists confronting systemic injustice. Her work, like "The 57 Bus," deals with real-world violence and identity while maintaining sensitivity to young adult readers.

Adam Silvera creates stories centered on queer characters dealing with death, trauma, and complex relationships in contemporary and speculative settings. His novels like "They Both Die at the End" merge emotional depth with darker themes similar to White's approach.

Anna-Marie McLemore writes magical realism featuring trans and queer characters navigating identity and trauma through metaphorical lenses. Their work combines elements of horror and fantasy while addressing real-world issues facing LGBTQ+ youth.

Ryan La Sala crafts stories that blend horror elements with queer themes and contemporary settings. His novels explore identity and trauma through supernatural frameworks while maintaining focus on LGBTQ+ character experiences.

Alice Oseman creates narratives centered on queer youth discovering their identities while dealing with mental health and social pressures. Her work addresses complex themes within accessible frameworks that appeal to young adult readers.