Picture a storyteller who weaves humor, heart, and authentic representation into young adult fiction—meet Emery Lee! A mixed-race author, artist, and YouTuber, Lee burst onto the YA scene in 2021 with their debut novel, Meet Cute Diary, a vibrant rom-com celebrating trans love and identity. With a knack for crafting diverse, relatable characters, Lee’s work resonates with teens and adults alike, making them a rising star in inclusive storytelling.
Lee’s stories aren’t just about romance—they’re about challenging norms, embracing complexity, and giving marginalized voices a spotlight. From anime-inspired plots to pop-punk vibes, their work is a fresh, colorful addition to YA literature. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this creative powerhouse!
The Making of Emery Lee
Born with a mixed-racial background, Emery Lee grew up with a passion for storytelling that spanned novels, webcomics, and art. After earning a degree in creative writing, Lee honed their craft through entertainment news, literary magazine editing, and book reviewing. Their love for anime, boba tea, and snuggling cute dogs infuses their work with a playful, relatable charm. Lee’s journey to authorship wasn’t planned—writing started as a fun outlet for their chaotic imagination, eventually leading to a career dedicated to uplifting marginalized teens.
Emery Lee’s Unforgettable Stories
Lee’s debut, Meet Cute Diary (2021), follows Noah, a triracial trans teen who runs a blog of fictional trans meet-cutes to inspire hope. When a troll threatens to expose the blog as fake, Noah’s fake-dating scheme sparks real romance and chaos. Praised for its humor and affirming trans representation, it earned starred reviews and a spot on ALA’s Rainbow Booklist.
In Café con Lychee (2022), Lee delivers an enemies-to-lovers rom-com about Theo and Gabi, two teens navigating cultural tensions and first love while running rival food businesses. With anime-inspired flair and pop-punk energy, the novel blends witty banter with heartfelt themes of identity and acceptance.
Lee’s upcoming novel, Don’t Drag This Out (2025), explores a character questioning their identity, building on themes from Meet Cute Diary. Known for multi-layered characters and unconventional narratives, Lee’s style challenges power structures and celebrates diverse fandom spaces, drawing from their own cultures and experiences.
Why Emery Lee Matters
Emery Lee’s impact on YA literature lies in their commitment to authentic representation. As the founder of #Transbooks365, a hashtag celebrating trans stories, Lee amplifies marginalized voices and fosters community. Their novels offer teens a mirror to see themselves and a window into others’ lives, tackling identity, love, and growth with humor and heart. Translated into multiple languages, Lee’s work reaches global readers, proving that inclusive stories resonate universally.
In a genre often dominated by conventional narratives, Lee’s fresh perspective and vibrant storytelling pave the way for more diverse YA voices. Their ability to blend lighthearted romance with deep themes ensures their legacy as a trailblazer for inclusive fiction.
- Key Works: Meet Cute Diary, Café con Lychee, Don’t Drag This Out
- Notable Achievement: Featured on ALA’s Rainbow Booklist
- Fun Fact: Lee’s love for anime and boba tea inspires their creative process!
Snag Meet Cute Diary or Café con Lychee and dive into Emery Lee’s vibrant, inclusive world of YA romance!