Picture a Mexican-American storyteller who brought queer Latinx teens to the forefront of young adult literature—meet Aaron H. Aceves! With his debut novel, This Is Why They Hate Us, Aceves has carved out a vibrant space for authentic, heartfelt stories that resonate with readers seeking representation and relatability. His work blends humor, raw emotion, and cultural nuance, making him a rising star in YA fiction.
Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Aceves’s journey from a book-loving kid to an acclaimed author is as inspiring as his stories. With a knack for capturing the messy beauty of adolescence, he’s become a voice for queer youth of color, proving that love and identity can shine even in the face of adversity.
The Making of Aaron H. Aceves
Growing up in East L.A., Aaron H. Aceves was surrounded by the rich tapestry of Mexican-American culture, which deeply influences his writing. His love for storytelling sparked early—he’s been scribbling stories since age nine! After graduating from Harvard College in 2015, where he earned the Le Baron Russell Briggs Award, Aceves honed his craft with an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University. Inspired by authors like Victor Villaseñor and Benjamin Alire Sáenz, he found his calling in young adult fiction, where he could explore identity, love, and resilience through a queer Latinx lens.
Aaron H. Aceves’s Unforgettable Stories
Aceves’s debut novel, This Is Why They Hate Us (2022), is a bold, hilarious, and poignant YA contemporary romance. It follows Enrique “Quique” Luna, a bisexual Mexican-American teen navigating unrequited love, mental health struggles, and the complexities of coming out. Critics, including Kirkus Reviews, praised its authentic voice and named it a Best Young Adult Book of 2022. The novel’s mix of laugh-out-loud moments and tender introspection captures the chaos of teenage life with unflinching honesty.
Beyond his novel, Aceves has published short fiction in outlets like The Florida Review, Epiphany, and Passages North. His short story “Visions” is set to appear in The Iowa Review in 2025, showcasing his versatility. His writing style is marked by sharp dialogue, vivid characters, and a fearless exploration of themes like bisexuality, cultural identity, and self-acceptance. Aceves also has an adult romance novel in the works, promising more heartfelt stories to come.
Whether he’s penning YA or literary fiction, Aceves brings a unique perspective as a bisexual, Mexican-American writer. His stories challenge stereotypes and offer representation for readers who rarely see themselves in literature, making his work both personal and universal.
Why Aaron H. Aceves Matters
Aaron H. Aceves’s impact lies in his ability to amplify marginalized voices, particularly queer Latinx teens. In a world where diverse representation in YA literature is still growing, his work is a beacon for young readers grappling with identity and acceptance. By tackling tough topics like shame, mental health, and societal prejudice with humor and heart, Aceves fosters empathy and understanding. His role as an Early Career Provost Fellow at UT Austin further cements his influence, as he mentors the next generation of writers to tell their own stories.
As a queer Christian and cat lover, Aceves’s warmth and authenticity shine through in his writing and public presence. Despite facing pushback from critics opposed to his pro-Palestine stance and diverse narratives, he remains committed to creating stories that celebrate love and solidarity, proving that representation matters.
- Born: East Los Angeles, California
- Key Work: This Is Why They Hate Us (2022)
- Education: Harvard College (2015), MFA from Columbia University
- Awards: Le Baron Russell Briggs Award, Best Young Adult Book of 2022 (Kirkus Reviews)
Ready to dive into a story that’s equal parts funny, raw, and real? Snag This Is Why They Hate Us and discover why Aaron H. Aceves is a must-read voice in YA fiction!