Literary phenom Leila Mottley will release her second novel with publisher Knopf next year, the author announced on Instagram.
“[So] ecstatic to share that my sophomore novel, THE GIRLS WHO GREW BIG, is forthcoming from @aaknopf in 2025 with another novel to follow,” Mottley wrote.
Mottley became a breakout literary star in 2022 with her debut novel, Nightcrawling, published when she was 19. A critic for Kirkus gave the book a starred review, writing, “Plot, shmot—the real story here is lush, immersive writing and a relentless reality that crushes a girl’s soul.”
She became the youngest author ever to have her book selected by Oprah Winfrey’s book club, as well as the youngest writer to be longlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize.
“THE GIRLS WHO GREW BIG follows three teen mothers in the Florida panhandle, and it’s about motherhood, belonging, and coming to terms with the chasm between the ways we have been raised and how we want to raise our own,” Mottley wrote. “[I’m] eternally grateful to the young moms in my life and beyond who shared their stories with me and to my team for championing this story. this book has been a real labor of love and i’m so excited to be able to share it with you soon. welcome to Padua Beach.”
Mottley’s next book, the poetry collection woke up no light, is slated for publication by Knopf on April 16.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
