Picture a vibrant storyteller who conjured ghosts and reimagined fairy tales with a Latinx twist—meet Aiden Thomas! This queer, trans, Latinx author has taken young adult literature by storm, weaving tales that blend fantasy, romance, and powerful representation. With a knack for crafting heroes who resonate with marginalized teens, Thomas is a trailblazer whose stories are as heartfelt as they are magical.
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Thomas’s debut novel, Cemetery Boys, skyrocketed to the New York Times bestseller list, making history as the first trans-centered fiction book by an openly trans author to achieve this feat. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this literary game-changer!
The Making of Aiden Thomas
Aiden Thomas grew up exploring Oakland’s Mountain View Cemetery, a haunt that sparked their love for the spooky and supernatural. With an MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College, Thomas honed their craft under the guidance of professor Kathryn Reiss, whose mentorship shaped their early works. As a queer, trans, Latinx individual, Thomas was driven by a lack of representation in media, inspiring them to write stories where marginalized teens could see themselves as heroes. Their journey began with fanfiction, but it was their bold leap into original YA fiction that set the stage for a remarkable career.
Aiden Thomas’s Unforgettable Stories
Thomas’s debut, Cemetery Boys (2020), is a paranormal rom-com set during Día de Muertos. It follows Yadriel, a trans, gay, Latinx brujo who accidentally summons Julian, a charming ghost, while trying to prove his magical prowess to his traditional family. The novel’s vibrant Latinx culture, nuanced family dynamics, and swoon-worthy romance earned starred reviews and a spot on the National Book Award longlist.
Lost in the Never Woods (2021), a dark reimagining of Peter Pan, explores trauma and mystery through Wendy, who confronts missing children and a mysterious Peter in Astoria, Oregon. This haunting tale showcases Thomas’s ability to blend emotional depth with fantasy. Their later works, The Sunbearer Trials (2022) and Celestial Monsters, dive into Mexican-inspired mythology, following a trans demigod in a high-stakes competition. Thomas’s style—rich with cultural authenticity, queer joy, and genre-bending plots—makes every story a celebration of identity.
Whether it’s brujx magic or reimagined classics, Thomas crafts worlds where trans and Latinx teens are powerful, loved, and unapologetic. Their use of casual Spanish without translations and focus on nuanced family dynamics set their work apart, offering readers both escapism and validation.
Why Aiden Thomas Matters
Aiden Thomas has redefined YA literature by centering queer, trans, and Latinx voices in stories that resonate universally. Cemetery Boys broke barriers, proving that diverse narratives are not only marketable but essential. Thomas’s advocacy for representation has inspired countless readers, particularly marginalized youth, to feel seen and empowered. Their success has paved the way for more trans and POC authors, challenging publishing norms and fostering inclusivity. With banned books and travel concerns in some states, Thomas remains a fearless voice, amplifying stories that matter.
About Aiden Thomas
- Born: Oakland, California
- Key Works: Cemetery Boys, Lost in the Never Woods, The Sunbearer Trials, Celestial Monsters
- Awards: National Book Award Longlist (2020), YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (2021)
- Fun Fact: They organize their bookshelves by color!
Snag Cemetery Boys and dive into Aiden Thomas’s spellbinding world of magic, romance, and unapologetic queerness!