Picture a Puerto Rican storyteller who conjured dragons and Latinx heroes into young adult fiction—meet Amparo Ortiz! Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ortiz has become a vibrant voice in YA and children’s literature, weaving fantastical tales that pulse with cultural pride. Her debut novel, Blazewrath Games, introduced a world where dragons and sports collide, cementing her as a champion of Latinx representation.
With a knack for blending contemporary and fantastical elements, Ortiz crafts stories that resonate with readers seeking authentic, diverse voices. From novels to graphic novels, her work celebrates Puerto Rican identity and invites readers into thrilling, inclusive worlds.
The Making of Amparo Ortiz
Born and raised in San Juan, Amparo Ortiz now calls Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast home. With a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in English from the University of Puerto Rico’s Río Piedras campus, she balances teaching ESL at a local college with her passion for storytelling. Her writing journey began at seventeen, initially penning a story about a white boy in a private school—a narrative she loved but couldn’t fully connect with. This realization sparked a shift toward Latinx protagonists, reflecting her own experiences and the vibrant complexities of her community.
Ortiz’s Puerto Rican roots and love for young adult fiction shape her creative process. Despite challenges like Hurricane María in 2017, which left her without power or water, she persevered, finishing Blazewrath Games months later. Her resilience and dedication shine through in her work, making her a standout in the literary world.
Amparo Ortiz’s Unforgettable Stories
Ortiz’s debut, Blazewrath Games (2020), is a YA fantasy likened to How to Train Your Dragon meets the World Cup. It follows Lana Torres, a Puerto Rican teen vying to represent her country in a dragon-riding sports tournament, navigating conspiracies and identity struggles. The novel’s vivid world-building, diverse cast, and unique dragon species, like Puerto Rico’s Sol de Noche, captivate readers.
Its sequel, Dragonblood Ring (2021), continues Lana’s adventure, deepening the stakes with more dragon-saving action. Ortiz also ventured into middle-grade with Saving Chupie (2022), a graphic novel about Violeta Rubio protecting a baby Chupacabra in post-Hurricane María Puerto Rico. Her short story comic, “What Remains in The Dark,” featured in the Eisner Award-winning anthology Puerto Rico Strong (2018), showcases her ability to craft poignant, culturally rich narratives across formats.
Known for fast-paced plots, heartfelt dialogue, and themes of belonging, Ortiz’s style blends action with emotional depth. Her Latinx characters grapple with identity, imposter syndrome, and pride, offering readers mirrors and windows into Puerto Rican culture and beyond.
Why Amparo Ortiz Matters
Amparo Ortiz’s work is a beacon for Latinx representation in YA and children’s literature. By centering Puerto Rican characters in fantastical settings, she challenges the dominance of white protagonists in fantasy, giving visibility to readers who rarely see themselves on book covers. Her stories explore the nuances of diasporic identity, as seen in Lana’s struggle to prove her “Boricua-ness” after living in the U.S., resonating with Latinx youth worldwide.
Ortiz’s impact extends beyond her books. As a Puerto Rican author writing from the island, she navigates the complexities of traditional publishing while amplifying Latinx voices. Her contributions to anthologies and graphic novels broaden the scope of diverse storytelling, inspiring a new generation of writers and readers to embrace their heritage.
- Born: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Key Works: Blazewrath Games, Dragonblood Ring, Saving Chupie, “What Remains in The Dark”
- Notable Achievement: Contributed to the Eisner Award-winning Puerto Rico Strong anthology
- Fun Fact: She’s a K-pop enthusiast and teaches herself Korean!
Ready to soar with dragons or save a Chupacabra? Snag Blazewrath Games or Saving Chupie and dive into Amparo Ortiz’s thrilling, heartfelt worlds!