Picture a storyteller who weaves tales of love, struggle, and resilience against the backdrop of East Texas—meet Ashley Hope Pérez! This American YA author has captivated readers with her powerful narratives that tackle racial boundaries and societal pressures. Her acclaimed novel, Out of Darkness, is a heart-wrenching masterpiece that’s both a critical darling and a lightning rod for controversy, cementing her as a bold voice in young adult literature.
Born and raised in Texas, Pérez brings authenticity and heart to her stories, drawing from her roots and experiences as an educator. Despite facing book bans, she continues to champion diverse voices, making her a literary hero for young readers hungry for stories that reflect their world.
The Making of Ashley Hope Pérez
Growing up in East Texas, just 20 minutes from New London, Ashley Hope Pérez was steeped in the region’s complex history. Her passion for storytelling ignited while teaching English at César E. Chávez High School in Houston, where she connected with students who felt unseen in literature. As a white woman, she became dedicated to centering Latinx lives, inspired by her students’ stories. Pérez’s academic journey took her to the University of Texas at Austin and Indiana University, where she earned a PhD in comparative literature, focusing on Latin American narratives.
Her early career blended teaching, advocacy, and writing, with stints in programs like Teach for America and the National Writing Project. These experiences shaped her commitment to authentic, impactful storytelling, setting the stage for her rise as a YA author.
Ashley Hope Pérez’s Unforgettable Stories
Pérez’s novels are raw, emotional, and unflinchingly honest, blending lyrical prose with hard-hitting themes. Her debut, What Can’t Wait (2011), follows a Mexican American teen in Houston torn between family duties and her dreams. Critics praised its authentic portrayal of immigrant life, earning it a spot on YALSA’s 2012 Best Fiction for Young Adults list.
The Knife and the Butterfly (2012) dives into the gritty world of two teens caught in a gang-related brawl, inspired by a real Houston case. Its nonlinear narrative and emotional depth landed it on YALSA’s 2015 Popular Paperbacks list. Her magnum opus, Out of Darkness (2015), set against the 1937 New London school explosion, explores a forbidden romance amid racism and tragedy. Hailed by The New York Times as a “layered tale of color lines, love and struggle,” it won a 2016 Printz Honor and the Tomás Rivera Book Award.
Recently, Pérez edited Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers’ Rights (2025), an anthology uniting banned authors to combat censorship. Her work tackles race, identity, and resilience, resonating with readers who crave stories that mirror their struggles and hopes.
Why Ashley Hope Pérez Matters
Ashley Hope Pérez’s impact transcends her novels. As one of the most banned authors in the U.S. since 2021, she’s faced harassment yet remains a fierce advocate for readers’ rights. Her anthology Banned Together empowers young people to fight censorship, while her novels amplify marginalized voices, particularly Latinx and African American experiences. As a professor at The Ohio State University, she shapes the next generation of scholars and writers, exploring narrative ethics in global literature.
Her stories challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths, fostering empathy and dialogue. In a world where diverse books face scrutiny, Pérez’s resilience and artistry make her a vital figure in YA literature, inspiring readers to embrace their own stories.
- Born: East Texas, USA
- Key Works: What Can’t Wait, The Knife and the Butterfly, Out of Darkness, Banned Together
- Awards: 2016 Printz Honor, 2016 Tomás Rivera Book Award, 2016 Américas Award
- Fun Fact: She’s a marathon runner, having tackled Houston and Chicago!
Snag Out of Darkness and dive into Ashley Hope Pérez’s gripping, heartfelt YA world!