Where to Start Reading Crystal Maldonado
If you are new to Crystal Maldonado's heartwarming contemporary stories, the best place to start is with her award-winning debut novel, Fat Chance, Charlie Vega (2021). This book established Maldonado's signature style: blending authentic young adult experiences, fat-positive themes, Latine cultural representation, and sweet, slow-burn romance. Starting here gives you the perfect introduction to her storytelling voice before you dive into her subsequent standalones.
Crystal Maldonado Books in Publication Order
Maldonado's books are all standalone works (with the exception of her co-authored middle-grade sequel), meaning they can be read in any order. However, reading them in publication order allows you to see her growth as a writer. Here is the chronological release order of her books:
- Fat Chance, Charlie Vega (February 2, 2021) — YA Standalone Novel
- No Filter and Other Lies (February 8, 2022) — YA Standalone Novel
- Camp Sylvania: Moon Madness (May 14, 2024) — Middle-Grade Novel (Co-authored with Julie Murphy)
- The Fall of Whit Rivera (October 10, 2023) — YA Standalone Novel
- Get Real, Chloe Torres (May 13, 2025) — YA Standalone Novel
Detailed Guide to the Novels
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega (2021)
Charlie Vega is a smart, artistic Puerto Rican teenager navigating the challenges of high school, body image, and a well-meaning but critical mother in a predominantly white Connecticut suburb. When Charlie falls for her classmate Brian, she has to confront her own insecurities and learn to love herself. This novel won the 2021 New England Book Award and received critical acclaim for its nuanced, joyful portrayal of self-acceptance.
No Filter and Other Lies (2022)
Kat Sanchez is a fat, bisexual Puerto Rican teen who feels invisible in her everyday life. When she creates an Instagram alter ego using photos of her friend, her account goes viral. Kat must navigate the dizzying highs of internet fame and the inevitable fallout when her lies are exposed. The book is a poignant look at modern social media culture, identity, and the pressure to be perfect online.
The Fall of Whit Rivera (2023)
Whit Rivera is a Type A, cozy-season-loving Puerto Rican girl with chronic illness (PCOS) who is determined to organize the ultimate high school Fall Formal. When she is forced to work with her former crush, she must balance her ambitious plans, her health, and her complicated feelings. The book is celebrated for its cozy autumn vibes, positive representation of chronic illness, and sweet romance.
Get Real, Chloe Torres (2025)
This sapphic, fat-positive road-trip rom-com features estrangement, a love triangle, and ADHD representation. It follows Chloe Torres as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, romance, and navigating the complexities of friendship and mental health.
Camp Sylvania: Moon Madness (2024)
Co-authored with bestselling author Julie Murphy, this middle-grade paranormal adventure serves as a sequel to Murphy's Camp Sylvania. It follows fat best friends navigating spooky mysteries and supernatural shenanigans at a summer camp, blending humor and body-positive themes for younger readers.
What to Know Before You Start
Maldonado's young adult books are deeply rooted in realistic, contemporary issues but are written with a comforting, rom-com tone. Readers should note that while the romances are a major draw, the core of each book focuses heavily on personal growth, family dynamics, and friendship. Her works are highly celebrated for addressing fatphobia, mental health, and Latine identity with sensitivity, humor, and a light touch that empowers rather than drains the reader.