Sarah Mlynowski

Born on January 4, 1977, Sarah Mlynowski is a Canadian and American author who writes for middle-grade, young adult, and adult audiences. She is the daughter of romance writer Elissa Ambrose and has a sister and an older stepsister. Mlynowski earned an Honors degree in English literature from McGill University before moving to Toronto to work for Harlequin Enterprises. Her initial novel, "Milkrun," drew on her publishing experiences and achieved international success. Following the publication of "Fishbowl," she relocated to New York City to focus on writing full-time. Mlynowski is widely recognized for her "Whatever After" series, which has appeared on The New York Times best-seller list. She also co-founded OMG BookFest, an event designed for middle-grade readers, alongside other authors. Mlynowski married Todd in 2004, and they have two daughters. In March 2026, after twenty-five years in the United States, she and her husband became American citizens.

Sarah Mlynowski's writing career began with adult fiction, including "Milkrun" (2001) and "Fishbowl" (2002), the latter prompting her move to New York to write full-time. Her adult works also include "As Seen on TV" (2003), "Monkey Business" (2004), and "Me Vs. Me" (2006). She also co-authored the non-fiction title "See Jane Write" (2006). Mlynowski gained significant recognition for her young adult series "Magic in Manhattan," starting with "Bras & Broomsticks" (2005). Her middle-grade work is perhaps most celebrated, particularly the "Whatever After" series, which includes titles like "Fairest of All" (2012) and "If the Shoe Fits" (2012), and has achieved New York Times best-seller status. She has also collaborated on other series, such as "Upside-Down Magic" with Emily Jenkins and Lauren Myracle, and "Best Wishes" with Debbie Rigaud and Christina Soontornvat.

Beyond her individual writing pursuits, Sarah Mlynowski has actively engaged in fostering literary communities. She is a co-founder of OMG BookFest, a festival specifically curated for middle-grade readers. This initiative, undertaken with fellow authors Michael Buckley, Julia DeVillers, and Adele Griffin, highlights her commitment to connecting young readers with literature and authors. This dedication to the readership and the broader literary landscape is a consistent theme throughout her career, extending from her early adult novels to her highly successful middle-grade series.