Rivers Solomon facts for kids

Rivers Solomon is an American author who writes exciting stories, often in the style of speculative fiction and literary fiction. This means their books explore new worlds, future possibilities, or deep human experiences. They have won several important awards for their writing. In 2018, their first novel, An Unkindness of Ghosts, won the Firecracker Award. Then, in 2020, their second book, The Deep, received the Lambda Literary Award. Their third novel, Sorrowland, published in 2021, also won the Otherwise Award.

About Rivers Solomon

Rivers Solomon identifies as non-binary, meaning they don't identify as only male or female. They use "fae/faer" and "they/them" as their pronouns. For this article, we will use "they/them" to keep things clear. Rivers Solomon has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is also on the autism spectrum.

Where Rivers Solomon Grew Up and Lives Now

Rivers Solomon was born in California, USA, in 1989. They grew up in different states, including California, Indiana, Texas, and New York. They studied at Stanford University in California, where they earned a degree in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity. Later, they got a master's degree in Fiction Writing from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin. As of 2018, Rivers Solomon lives in Cambridge, UK, with their family.

Authors Who Inspired Rivers Solomon

Many famous writers have influenced Rivers Solomon's work. Some of these include Ursula K. Le Guin, Octavia E. Butler, Alice Walker, Zora Neale Hurston, Ray Bradbury, Jean Toomer, and Doris Lessing. These authors are known for their unique stories and powerful ideas.

Rivers Solomon's Books

Rivers Solomon is known for writing stories that make readers think. Their books often explore important themes like fairness, identity, and society.

An Unkindness of Ghosts

Rivers Solomon's first novel, An Unkindness of Ghosts, was published in 2017. It is a science fiction story set on a giant spaceship. The book explores ideas about how different groups of people are treated and how societies are organized. Many critics and readers loved this book. It was named one of the best books of 2017 by The Guardian, NPR, and Publishers Weekly. It also received several awards and nominations, including being a Stonewall Honor Book.

The Deep

Their second book, The Deep, came out in 2019. This story is based on a song by the hip-hop group Clipping. The Deep tells the tale of an amazing underwater society. This society was built by people who can breathe underwater. They are the descendants of pregnant slaves who were thrown overboard from slave ships long ago. The Deep won the 2020 Lambda Literary Award and was nominated for other major awards like the Nebula and Hugo.

Sorrowland

Rivers Solomon's third novel, Sorrowland, was released in May 2021. This book is a unique mix of gothic fiction and other genres. It deals with the complex history of racism in America and how some people are pushed to the edges of society. The story is about escaping, accepting oneself, and different kinds of love. It also touches on difficult topics like unfair treatment and the exploitation of Black bodies. Sorrowland won the Otherwise Award in 2021.

Shorter Stories and Collaborations

Besides their novels, Rivers Solomon has also written many shorter stories. These have appeared in well-known publications like The New York Times, Tor.com, and The Paris Review. They also worked with other authors, including Yoon Ha Lee and Becky Chambers, on a serial novel called The Vela.

See also

In Spanish: Rivers Solomon para niños