Picture a storyteller who spins heartfelt queer romances with a Jewish twist, crafting tales that make you laugh, cry, and cheer—meet Jake Maia Arlow! This Stonewall Honor-winning author has taken the young adult literary world by storm with their vibrant, inclusive stories that celebrate love, identity, and the messiness of growing up.
Born and raised on Long Island, Jake Maia Arlow now calls the Pacific Northwest home, where they live with their girlfriend and a very loud cat. A podcast producer and self-proclaimed bagel connoisseur, Arlow’s unique voice shines through in their writing, blending humor, heart, and a deep commitment to authentic LGBT representation.
The Making of Jake Maia Arlow
Jake Maia Arlow’s journey to authorship began at Barnard College, where they studied evolutionary biology and creative writing—a combo that’s less odd than it sounds when you see their knack for dissecting human emotions. Growing up in a culturally Jewish family, Arlow felt a strong connection to their heritage, which later infused their work with rich, relatable themes. Their college years sparked a creative awakening, including co-writing a musical about a gay demon on a reality TV show—proof of their playful, boundary-pushing spirit. This blend of wit and heart paved the way for their literary career, where they’ve become a beacon for queer and Jewish youth.
Jake Maia Arlow’s Unforgettable Stories
Arlow’s debut middle-grade novel, Almost Flying (2021), is a roller-coaster road-trip adventure that follows Dalia, a girl navigating her dad’s engagement and her own dreams of friendship. Named a Stonewall Honor Book and a Washington State Book Award finalist, it’s a testament to Arlow’s ability to craft relatable, dynamic characters. Their first young adult novel, How to Excavate a Heart (2022), is a sapphic Jewish rom-com set during a snowy D.C. winter. When college freshman Shani literally runs into May, sparks fly in an enemies-to-lovers tale that’s both cozy and profound, earning starred reviews and Indie Bestseller status.
Arlow’s second middle-grade novel, The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet (2023), tackles chronic illness with humor and honesty, following twelve-year-old Al as she finds community among queer, chronically ill peers. Praised by NPR and the New York Public Library, it’s a heartfelt exploration of resilience. Arlow’s writing style is conversational, witty, and deeply empathetic, weaving themes of queer joy, Jewish identity, and personal growth into narratives that feel like a warm hug.
Why Jake Maia Arlow Matters
Jake Maia Arlow’s impact lies in their ability to create stories where queer and Jewish teens see themselves as heroes. Their books don’t shy away from life’s complexities—heartbreak, identity, or chronic illness—but they infuse these struggles with hope and humor. Through programs like Lambda Literary’s LGBTQ Writers in Schools, Arlow connects with young readers, fostering a sense of belonging. Their work has redefined young adult romance, making it more inclusive and authentic, and their growing fanbase eagerly awaits each new release.
- Born: Around 1998 (age ~27)
- Key Works: Almost Flying, How to Excavate a Heart, The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet
- Awards: Stonewall Honor, Washington State Book Award Finalist
- Fun Fact: Arlow is Amtrak’s reluctant #1 fan!
Snag How to Excavate a Heart and dive into Jake Maia Arlow’s cozy, queer rom-com world—you’ll be laughing and swooning in no time!