Picture an American storyteller who brought queer teens and witty mysteries to life—meet Lev A.C. Rosen, also known as L.C. Rosen! Hailing from the bustling streets of Lower Manhattan, this award-nominated author has a knack for blending humor, heart, and a fearless take on identity. With a pen as sharp as his wit, Rosen’s works like Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts) and Camp have charmed readers and sparked conversations about love, self-discovery, and the messy beauty of growing up.
Rosen isn’t just a writer—he’s a champion of diversity, weaving tales that invite everyone to the party. Whether he’s teaching creative writing or crafting his next big story, this New Yorker’s journey is as captivating as the worlds he creates. Ready to dive into his universe? Let’s go!
The Making of Lev A.C. Rosen
Born and raised in Lower Manhattan, Lev A.C. Rosen grew up with the city’s eclectic energy as his playground. He came out as gay at 13, a bold move that would later fuel his unapologetic storytelling. After sharpening his mind at Oberlin College, he earned a Master of Fine Arts in fiction from Sarah Lawrence College in 2006. His early days at a Jewish summer camp in Connecticut—where he was once a counselor forbidden from discussing his sexuality—planted seeds for his inclusive narratives.
Rosen’s writing career kicked off with a bang, blending his love for humor and raw honesty. Influenced by his own experiences and a desire to shake up young adult literature, he set out to craft stories that don’t shy away from the tough stuff. It’s this mix of grit and grace that’s made him a standout voice in fiction.
Lev A.C. Rosen’s Unforgettable Stories
Rosen’s bibliography is a treasure trove of wit and wonder. Take Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts), published in 2018—a hilarious yet heartfelt tale of Jack, a gay teen navigating gossip, stalkers, and sex advice columns. It’s sex-positive, bold, and landed on the American Library Association’s Rainbow List Top Ten. Then there’s Camp (2020), a rom-com romp at a queer summer camp where love, identity, and a little glitter collide. Critics called it ‘LGBTQ-positive’ and a Lambda Award finalist!
For a twist, All Men of Genius (2011) offers a steampunk-inspired comedy about a girl disguised as a boy at a Victorian science academy—think Shakespeare meets mad scientists. And don’t miss Lavender House (2022), his dive into adult historical mysteries with a queer 1950s twist. Rosen’s style? Playful, honest, and always pushing boundaries, with themes of sexuality, self-acceptance, and defying norms at the core.
His characters leap off the page—flawed, funny, and fiercely themselves. Whether it’s teens finding their footing or detectives uncovering secrets, Rosen writes with a light touch that lands heavy truths. It’s no wonder his books have been translated worldwide and even snagged a movie deal for Camp with Billy Porter at the helm!
Why Lev A.C. Rosen Matters
Lev A.C. Rosen isn’t just spinning yarns—he’s rewriting the rules of young adult literature. His stories give queer teens a mirror to see themselves and a window to dream bigger, all while inviting everyone else along for the ride. By tackling sexuality and identity head-on, he’s cracked open a space for honest conversations in a genre that sometimes plays it safe. His impact? A growing chorus of readers who feel seen, heard, and a little braver.
From classrooms to bookshelves, Rosen’s legacy is about inclusion and inspiration. He’s proof that stories can entertain and empower, nudging society to question the status quo—one laugh at a time. As he keeps writing (and teaching!), his influence only grows, lighting the way for diverse voices in literature.
- Born: Lower Manhattan, New York
- Key Works: Jack of Hearts, Camp, All Men of Genius, Lavender House
- Awards: Lambda Award finalist, ALA Rainbow List Top Ten
Snag Camp or Jack of Hearts and dive into Lev A.C. Rosen’s dazzling blend of humor and heart—you won’t regret it!