# The Girls Who Grew Big: An Exploration of Leila Mottley's Literary Resilience ๐
Once upon a time, in the city of Oakland, California, a young girl discovered the power of words. They were her magic, her shield, her way of making sense of the world around her. This girl was Leila Mottley, and she grew to become one of America's most compelling literary voices, a beacon of resilience and empowerment for young girls everywhere. Today, I invite you on a journey through her work, particularly her highly anticipated novel, *The Girls Who Grew Big*.
## ๐ง Leila Mottley: A Rising Star
Born in 2002, Leila Mottley is a testament to the power of youth. At the tender age of 16, she was crowned Oakland's Youth Poet Laureate, hinting at her inherent talent for weaving words into powerful narratives[^1^]. Her debut novel, *Nightcrawling*, published in 2022, was met with widespread acclaim. It was longlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize, featured in Oprah's Book Club, and celebrated for its raw portrayal of Black girlhood and resilience[^1^][^4^].
Mottley's writing is a beautiful blend of poetic urgency, authenticity, and empathy. Her journey from slam poetry to fiction positioned her as a force to be reckoned with, as she continues to explore themes of social justice, personal growth, and the complexities of coming-of-age as a young Black woman in America[^2^][^3^][^4^].
## ๐ The Girls Who Grew Big: A Close Look
*The Girls Who Grew Big* is Mottley's much-anticipated follow-up to *Nightcrawling*. While specific plot details remain a closely guarded secret, it's clear that the novel continues Mottley's exploration of young women's struggles and triumphs, particularly in the realms of reproductive justice and police violence[^4^].
### ๐ฃ Storytelling as Resistance and Empowerment
Mottley sees her writing as a method of "disruption and resistance," a way to challenge dominant narratives and create space for marginalized voices[^4^]. In *The Girls Who Grew Big*, this ethos is likely to be central, as storytelling is used as a tool for empowerment among young women grappling with systemic oppression.
Her debut novel, *Nightcrawling*, drew inspiration from real-life cases of police exploitation and underlined how narrative can regain agency for those impacted by injustice[^4^]. Critics have noted Mottley's ability to "drive a story forward and compel you to listen," using poetic language to illuminate the lived experiences of her characters[^3^]. This narrative power, praised by novelist and mentor Ruth Ozeki as "powerful, poetic, and fierce," promises to shine through in her upcoming novel[^3^].
### ๐ฑ Themes of Growth, Resilience, and Reproductive Justice
Central to *The Girls Who Grew Big* are themes of personal growth, resilience, and the unique challenges faced by young women—especially those navigating intersecting forms of marginalization[^4^]. The novel reportedly spotlights reproductive justice and the necessity of resources for young mothers, reflecting ongoing debates in the U.S. about bodily autonomy and access to care.
Mottley's work is deeply rooted in her Oakland upbringing, a city marked by both vibrant resistance movements and profound inequities[^1^][^4^]. It's clear that she's committed to depicting the complexities of Black girlhood, showcasing not just its traumas but also its moments of joy and triumph[^3^].
### ๐ฏ Resonance with Young Adult Readers
Mottley's literary approach resonates deeply with young adult readers, particularly those drawn to coming-of-age stories and narratives of overcoming adversity. Her characters are often young women navigating trauma, community, and the quest for selfhood, mirroring many readers’ own journeys.
Mottley's debut found a wide audience among young adults, praised for its authenticity, relatability, and refusal to shy away from difficult topics[^3^][^4^]. The use of poetic language and first-person perspective brings readers closer to the emotional world of her protagonists, fostering empathy and identification[^2^][^3^].
## ๐ก Takeaways and Recommendations
1. **For Young Adult Readers:**
Engage with Mottley's novels as more than just stories. They're entry points for dialogue about justice, resilience, and self-empowerment. Reflect on how the experiences of her characters mirror or diverge from your own, and consider writing or sharing your own stories as acts of resistance and self-discovery.
2. **For Educators and Book Clubs:**
Incorporate *The Girls Who Grew Big* and Mottley's other works into reading lists focused on women’s empowerment, social justice, or coming-of-age themes. Use guided discussions to explore the intersection of identity, trauma, and hope, and to foster critical thinking about contemporary issues.
3. **For Aspiring Writers:**
Take inspiration from Mottley’s blend of poetry and prose, and her commitment to truth-telling. Experiment with different forms of storytelling to express your own perspectives, and seek out community spaces—such as poetry slams or writing workshops—where your voice can be heard and amplified.
## ๐ The Impact of Leila Mottley's Work
Leila Mottley stands at the forefront of a new generation of authors using literature to confront injustice, celebrate resilience, and empower young women. Her writing is both a mirror and a beacon, reflecting the realities of those often left at the margins while illuminating paths toward healing and growth. In *The Girls Who Grew Big*, as in her previous work, Mottley offers not only stories of pain and survival but also of transformation, community, and the enduring strength of girls who refuse to be diminished.
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๐ฌ **Reader Engagement Prompt:**
What are your thoughts on Leila Mottley's work? How do you see her themes of growth and resilience resonating with your own experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
**Hashtags:** #LeilaMottley #TheGirlsWhoGrewBig #Literature #WomenEmpowerment #Resilience
## ๐ References:
- [Wikipedia, 2022, Leila Mottley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leila_Mottley)
- [SF Chronicle, 2024, How Oakland author Leila Mottley found sanctuary in poetry](https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/books/leila-mottley-oakland-poetry-18692163)
- [LA Times, 2022, Leila Mottley, Oakland author, 19, on novel 'Nightcrawling'](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2022-06-07/leila-mottley-author-of-nightcrawling)
- [Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau, 2025, Leila Mottley](https://www.prhspeakers.com/speaker/leila-mottley)
- [The Booker Prizes, 2022, Leila Mottley | The Booker Prizes](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/authors/leila-mottley)
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Leila Mottley — The Girls Who Grew Big - with Renee Bracey Sherman
Oprah In Conversation with Leila Mottley | Oprah's Book Club #96 | Nightcrawling
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