Picture a storyteller who turned Starbucks pastry bags into the launchpad for gripping LGBTQ+ YA novels—meet Adam Sass! This award-winning author has carved a niche in contemporary young adult fiction with his blend of humor, heart, and unflinching social commentary. From tackling conversion therapy in Surrender Your Sons to spinning a fairy-tale romance in The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers, Sass’s stories resonate with readers craving authentic queer narratives.
With a knack for weaving thrilling plots and lovable characters, Sass has earned accolades from Kirkus, Teen Vogue, and more. His passion for theme parks and Imagineering infuses his work with a whimsical yet grounded charm, making him a standout voice in YA literature.
The Making of Adam Sass
Raised in Illinois, Adam Sass’s creative spark ignited early. Before novels, he dabbled in screenwriting and comedic performance, dreaming of Hollywood. His shift to YA fiction came after falling in love with the genre’s imaginative possibilities, inspired by books like Andrew Smith’s Grasshopper Jungle. Sass’s early writing gigs were humble—scribbling stories on Starbucks pastry bags while working as a barista. This quirky start fueled his determination, leading him to Los Angeles, where he now lives with his husband and two dachshunds, Marty and Malibu.
Adam Sass’s Unforgettable Stories
Sass’s debut, Surrender Your Sons (2020), is a gut-punching YA thriller about queer teens fighting to escape a conversion therapy camp. Hailed as a blend of Lost and Lord of the Flies, it earned a Kirkus Best Book of 2020 nod and the IPPY Gold Medal for YA Fiction. Its raw depiction of queer resilience struck a chord, amplified by Sass’s collaboration with Born Perfect to combat conversion therapy.
In contrast, The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers (2022) is a charming rom-com following Micah, a teen artist sketching imaginary boyfriends on Instagram. When a meet-cute with “Boy 100” sparks a Cinderella-esque quest through Chicago, hilarity and heart ensue. The novel’s fairy-tale vibe and starred reviews from Booklist cemented Sass’s versatility. His later works, like the horror-tinged Your Lonely Nights Are Over (2023) and the romantic Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts (2024), showcase his range, blending slasher thrills and second-chance romance with queer joy.
Sass’s style is a rollercoaster—think witty banter, vivid settings, and characters who feel like your best friends. His love for theme parks shines through in lush, immersive worlds, while his focus on queer teens navigating love, trauma, and identity makes his stories universally relatable.
Why Adam Sass Matters
Adam Sass isn’t just writing books; he’s building bridges. His novels give queer teens heroes they can see themselves in, tackling tough topics like conversion therapy and social media pressures with hope and humor. Recognized by the ALA’s Rainbow Book List and praised by outlets like Entertainment Weekly, Sass has become a beacon for diverse YA storytelling. His advocacy against queer book censorship further amplifies his impact, urging readers to fight for representation.
As a podcast co-host on Slayerfest98, Sass brings his infectious energy to discussions on pop culture, from Buffy to theme parks. His unique lens—part storyteller, part Imagineer—continues to shape YA fiction, inspiring a new generation of readers and writers.
- Born: Mid-1980s (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: Surrender Your Sons, The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers, Your Lonely Nights Are Over, Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts
- Awards: IPPY Gold Medal for YA Fiction (2020), Kirkus Best Book of 2020, ALA Rainbow Book List (2022)
- Fun Fact: Sass is obsessed with theme parks and dreams of chatting about Imagineering on a podcast!
Snag The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers and dive into Adam Sass’s vibrant, queer YA world—you’ll laugh, cry, and maybe even sketch your own imaginary boyfriend!