Picture an American storyteller who brought a heartfelt transgender teen romance to the YA scene—meet Isaac Fitzsimons! With a knack for weaving authentic, diverse narratives, Fitzsimons has become a beacon for young readers craving stories where LGBTQ and BIPOC youth shine as heroes. His debut novel, The Passing Playbook, isn’t just a book—it’s a joyful celebration of identity, love, and resilience that’s capturing hearts worldwide.
From his roots in Washington, D.C., to his passion for soccer and sketch comedy, Fitzsimons channels his eclectic life into stories that resonate. His mission? To ensure every reader sees themselves reflected in literature, especially those who, like him, rarely found their identities in the books of their youth.
The Making of Isaac Fitzsimons
Born and raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Isaac Fitzsimons grew up with a love for young adult fiction, though he often noticed the absence of gay or Black characters in the stories he read. Summers spent in England and France fueled his soccer obsession, particularly for Manchester City. By day, he studied psychology at the College of Wooster, performing sketch comedy by night. Later, at the University of Washington, he earned a master’s in Educational Psychology, working on an NIH grant to train teachers in neuroscience principles. This blend of creativity and academia shaped his empathetic, nuanced storytelling.
Fitzsimons’s writing journey began early, with childhood fan fiction inspired by vampire bunnies. As an adult, he turned his lifelong love for YA into a career, determined to fill the representation gaps he’d felt as a teen. Today, he balances writing with a role as Research & Evaluation Manager at Americans for the Arts, proving he’s as versatile as his stories.
Isaac Fitzsimons’s Unforgettable Stories
Fitzsimons’s debut, The Passing Playbook (2021), is a game-changer in YA literature. This contemporary romance follows Spencer Harris, a transgender teen and soccer star navigating love, identity, and a discriminatory law that threatens his place on the team. Praised as a “literary hat trick” by author Adib Khorram, it blends heartwarming moments with sharp social commentary, earning accolades like a Kirkus Best Young Adult Book of 2021 and a 2022 Lambda Literary Award Finalist nod.
His writing style is conversational and accessible, with a focus on “Trans Boy Joy” that avoids trauma-centric narratives. Fitzsimons crafts diverse casts—think queer, BIPOC, autistic, and non-binary characters—reflecting the real world. Inspired by authors like Angie Thomas and Robert Muchamore, he infuses his stories with hope, humor, and radical kindness, making them a warm hug for readers.
While The Passing Playbook remains his flagship work, Fitzsimons is hard at work on new projects, promising more stories that champion marginalized voices. His ability to tackle heavy topics like transphobia and privilege with a light, uplifting touch sets him apart in the YA genre.
Why Isaac Fitzsimons Matters
Isaac Fitzsimons is more than a writer—he’s a trailblazer for inclusive YA fiction. By centering LGBTQ and BIPOC youth, he offers representation that empowers teens to embrace their identities. His stories challenge stereotypes, promote allyship, and inspire courage, resonating with readers and critics alike. In a world where trans rights are often under fire, Fitzsimons’s work is a beacon of hope, showing young people they can be the heroes of their own stories.
His impact extends beyond books. Through his advocacy and nonprofit work, Fitzsimons champions the arts, ensuring diverse voices are heard. For readers who’ve felt invisible, his stories are a powerful reminder that their experiences matter.
- Debut Novel: The Passing Playbook (2021)
- Awards: Junior Library Guild Gold Standard, Kirkus Best YA Book of 2021
- Passions: Soccer, sketch comedy, playing the banjo
- Education: M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, University of Washington
About Isaac Fitzsimons
Snag The Passing Playbook and dive into Isaac Fitzsimons’s vibrant, inclusive YA world! Whether you’re a teen or just young at heart, his stories will leave you smiling and inspired.