Leah Thomas frequently loses battles of wits against her students and her stories. When she's not huddled in cafes, she's usually at home pricking her fingers in service of cosplay. Leah lives in San Diego, California and is the author of Nowhere Near You and the William C. Morris YA Debut Award finalist, Because You'll Never Meet Me.
A compelling, character-driven, and imaginative novel. . . What makes it stand out is Thomas's talent of bringing intimacy, thoughtfulness, and a sense of wonder to her writing. -For fans of Patrick Ness and Lauren Oliver, this is a must buy. - Starred Review, School Library Journal Metaphor and figurative language make the prose here beautiful to read. . . . The poignant, strange, and poetic novel is a nuanced exploration of human nature. - starred review, Booklist Readers will be captivated by the mystery and meaning in this eerie exploration of loss and love, hurting and healing, family and friends, and of letting go and reconnection. - School Library Connection Thomas explores themes of forgiveness, family, friendship, and identity. . . . This pensive sci-fi novel straddles many worlds without quite fitting in any, not unlike the endearing square-peg characters at its heart. - Kirkus Reviews Unforgettable and distinct voices . . . A fantastic novel that will be especially resonant for readers who struggle with being or feeling outside of 'normal.' - starred review, Booklist on NOWHERE NEAR YOU Part mad science, part convincing portrayal of the volatile, resilient nature of friendship and grief--and that, as Ollie says, is not science fiction. - Kirkus Reviews on NOWHERE NEAR YOU The pacing is impeccable, as letters move from sunniness (Oliver) and bemused distance (Moritz) to both writers exploring their darkest fears, experiences, and worries for their futures. - starred review, BCCB on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME A witty, unusual take on friendship and parlaying weakness into power. - Kirkus Reviews on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME Ollie and Moritz are memorable characters with engaging and often humorous voices. . . A quirky, almost whimsical feel even as Thomas grounds it in heartfelt and often painful emotion. - SLJ on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME The two may be eccentric outcasts, but their conflicts, heartbreak, and eventual bond form a relatable and engaging narrative. - Publishers Weekly on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME It's the distinct, deeply memorable voices of Ollie and Moritz that make this novel an affecting page-turner. - Horn Book Magazine on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME Unforgettable and distinct voices . . . A fantastic novel that will be especially resonant for readers who struggle with being or feeling outside of 'normal.' - starred review, Booklist on NOWHERE NEAR YOU Part mad science, part convincing portrayal of the volatile, resilient nature of friendship and grief--and that, as Ollie says, is not science fiction. - Kirkus Reviews on NOWHERE NEAR YOU The pacing is impeccable, as letters move from sunniness (Oliver) and bemused distance (Moritz) to both writers exploring their darkest fears, experiences, and worries for their futures. - starred review, BCCB on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME A witty, unusual take on friendship and parlaying weakness into power. - Kirkus Reviews on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME Ollie and Moritz are memorable characters with engaging and often humorous voices. . . A quirky, almost whimsical feel even as Thomas grounds it in heartfelt and often painful emotion. - SLJ on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME The two may be eccentric outcasts, but their conflicts, heartbreak, and eventual bond form a relatable and engaging narrative. - Publishers Weekly on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME It's the distinct, deeply memorable voices of Ollie and Moritz that make this novel an affecting page-turner. - Horn Book Magazine on BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME