Picture a vibrant storyteller weaving tales of identity and courage from the heart of Northern California—meet Jasper Sanchez! This trans-masculine author has burst onto the young adult literature scene with a voice that’s as bold as it is glittery, crafting stories that champion inclusivity and challenge societal norms. Sanchez’s debut novel, The (Un)Popular Vote, is a dazzling blend of political drama and queer found family, making him a vital force in YA fiction.
With a background in anthropology and media studies, Sanchez brings a fresh perspective to his narratives, blending academic insight with heartfelt storytelling. His work resonates with readers who crave authentic representation, proving that stories can both entertain and spark change. Let’s dive into the world of Jasper Sanchez and discover what makes his writing so unforgettable.
The Making of Jasper Sanchez
Born and raised in Northern California’s wine country, Jasper Sanchez grew up surrounded by idyllic vistas and a complicated love-hate relationship with his suburban hometown. His academic journey took him to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a BA in cultural anthropology, followed by an MA in cinema and media studies from UCLA. These fields shaped his understanding of stories as powerful tools for building worlds and driving change, a theme that permeates his writing.
Sanchez didn’t always gravitate toward YA fiction. As a teen, he devoured classics and ‘70s sci-fi, but it was in college, while exploring his queer and trans identity, that he turned to YA for representation. Finding the canon limited, he set out to write the stories he wished he’d had as a teenager—nerdy, unapologetically queer, and brimming with hope.
Jasper Sanchez’s Unforgettable Stories
Sanchez’s debut, The (Un)Popular Vote (2021), is a political comedy-drama that’s been likened to Red, White & Royal Blue meets The West Wing. The novel follows Mark, a trans-masculine teen and son of a congressman, who runs for student body president to combat bullying and toxic rhetoric at his high school. With vivid characters, sharp dialogue, and a queer found family, the book tackles transphobia, political optics, and the courage to be authentic.
His short fiction, including pieces in The Colored Lens (Summer 2017), showcases his versatility, blending speculative elements with poignant themes. Sanchez is also working on a second novel, though details remain under wraps. His writing style is glittery yet grounded, weaving humor, heart, and activism into narratives that feel both idealistic and real.
What sets Sanchez apart is his commitment to diverse representation. His characters—pansexual, asexual, aromantic, demigirl, and more—reflect the complexity of queer identities without feeling tokenistic. He draws inspiration from shows like Scandal and The West Wing, infusing his stories with political savvy and emotional depth that appeal to teens and adults alike.
Why Jasper Sanchez Matters
Jasper Sanchez is more than a writer; he’s a trailblazer in YA literature, amplifying trans-masculine and queer voices in a genre hungry for authentic stories. His work challenges readers to confront issues like transphobia and toxic masculinity while celebrating the power of community and self-acceptance. By creating worlds where marginalized teens can be heroes, Sanchez inspires readers to embrace their identities and fight for change.
Now based in Seattle with his opinionated cat, Simon, Sanchez continues to write stories that sparkle with radical hope. His influence is growing, and his debut has earned praise for its heartwarming inclusivity and intelligent storytelling, making him a must-read for fans of Becky Albertalli and Kacen Callender.
- Key Work: The (Un)Popular Vote (2021)
- Hometown: Northern California wine country
- Education: BA in Anthropology (University of Pennsylvania), MA in Cinema and Media Studies (UCLA)
- Fun Fact: He’s a Star Trek enthusiast who annotates lists of his favorite episodes
About Jasper Sanchez
Snag The (Un)Popular Vote and dive into Jasper Sanchez’s glittery, game-changing YA world! Whether you’re a teen or just young at heart, his stories will leave you laughing, crying, and ready to change the world.