Picture a Chicana storyteller who weaves magic, identity, and mouthwatering Mexican flavors into young adult fiction—meet Laekan Zea Kemp! This Central Texas author has captured hearts with her vibrant novels that blend gritty realism with dreamy fantasy, all while championing diverse voices. From self-publishing paranormal romances to earning a Pura Belpré Honor, Kemp’s journey is as inspiring as her stories.
The Making of Laekan Zea Kemp
Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, Laekan Zea Kemp grew up in a fourth-generation Mexican American family, navigating the tension of Chicanx identity in a world that often demanded assimilation. Her teenage years were marked by challenges that left a lasting imprint, fueling her passion for young adult fiction. A Creative Writing degree from Texas Tech University and an M.A. in Teaching from the University of North Texas shaped her path, but it was her time as an ESL teacher that deepened her commitment to diverse storytelling. Kemp began writing in high school, self-publishing her first novel, The Things They Didn’t Bury, in 2012, and later found her voice in stories that celebrate Chicanx resilience.
Laekan Zea Kemp’s Unforgettable Stories
Kemp’s novels are a love letter to Chicanx culture, blending emotional depth with vivid settings. Her debut traditionally published novel, Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet (2021), follows Penelope Prado, an aspiring pastry chef, and Xander Amaro, an undocumented teen, as they navigate love and family at a taco restaurant. The book’s lush descriptions of Mexican cuisine and themes of mental health earned it a 2022 Pura Belpré Honor. Heartbreak Symphony (2022), a novel-in-verse, explores grief and healing through music, while Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza (2022) introduces a magical middle-grade series rooted in Mexican folklore. A Crown for Corina, a picture book, celebrates creativity and heritage, showcasing Kemp’s versatility across genres.
Her writing style is immersive, weaving humor, heartache, and cultural pride. Kemp aims to make readers laugh, cry, and crave Mexican food—a goal she achieves with every page. Themes of identity, mental health, and found family resonate deeply, especially with young readers seeking authentic representation. Her characters, often Latina protagonists, reflect the complexities of straddling two worlds, a nod to Kemp’s own mixed-race Chicana experience.
Why Laekan Zea Kemp Matters
Laekan Zea Kemp is a trailblazer in young adult fiction, amplifying Chicanx voices in a genre that’s historically lacked diversity. Her work challenges stereotypes, offering nuanced portrayals of Latino teens who are creators, dreamers, and fighters. By drawing on her own experiences, she’s carved a space for readers to see themselves reflected and for others to learn about Chicanx culture. Her advocacy through platforms like Las Musas and the Latinx Kidlit Book Festival further amplifies marginalized voices, pushing for systemic change in publishing. Kemp’s stories don’t just entertain—they inspire empathy and cultural pride.
- Born: Lubbock, Texas
- Key Works: Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet, Heartbreak Symphony, Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza, A Crown for Corina
- Awards: 2022 Pura Belpré Honor for Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet
- Fun Fact: She hosts the Paper Trail podcast, sharing insights on creativity and publishing.
About Laekan Zea Kemp
Ready to taste the magic of Chicanx storytelling? Snag Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet and dive into Laekan Zea Kemp’s vibrant world!