Erin Stewart writes relatable, realistic fiction for teens and tweens that tackle tough topics. Her YA novel, THE WORDS WE KEEP, received the prestigious Schneider Family Book Award from the American Library Association for its portrayal of the disability experience. The novel features mental health themes such as anxiety in what Kirkus calls “a sprawling, engrossing read” with “an overpowering sense of hope underlined by an achingly sincere message: Speak up and get help if needed.”
Erin’s debut novel, SCARS LIKE WINGS, was a Junior Library Guild Selection, Amazon Editor’s Pick and winner of BookPal’s 2019 Outstanding Works of Literature award. School Library Journal called the book, which tells the story of a burn survivor’s quest for her new normal, “thought-provoking . . . will push readers to think deeply about empathy, hope, and resilience in the face of heartbreak.
In 2025, Erin will add to her YA selections with EVERY BORROWED BEAT (March 2025). A story for fans of FIVE FEET APART, this emotional and romantic YA offers an unflinching look at not only the realities of heart failure, but at memory, grief, guilt, and what it means to live—in spite of another, because of another, for another. For yourself.
Erin will also make her debut in the middle-grade arena with THE FORGOTTEN MAGIC OF ZOEY TURNER (January 2025). In this contemporary novel with a sprinkle of magic, a girl whose anxiety disorder has been ruling her life since her father’s death unexpectedly has the story she’s written come alive in this adventurous and tender middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of Barbara Dee and Jamie Sumner.
Erin loves speaking with readers and students of all ages about her the writing process, the importance of story, as well as the value of using writing as an avenue to speak up about mental health issues.