Picture a Vietnamese-American storyteller who turned a bowl of phở into a heartwarming love story—meet Loan Le! This rising star in Young Adult romance has captured readers’ hearts with her authentic, culture-rich narratives. Her debut novel, A Pho Love Story, is a delicious blend of romance, family dynamics, and Vietnamese heritage that’s earned praise from NPR, BuzzFeed, and beyond. Le’s unique voice as a writer and editor makes her a standout in contemporary literature.
As a child of Vietnamese immigrants, Le weaves her heritage into every page, creating stories that resonate with readers craving diverse, heartfelt tales. With a knack for blending humor, romance, and cultural depth, she’s quickly becoming a must-read author for YA fans and beyond.
The Making of Loan Le
Born to Vietnamese parents from Nha Trang, Loan Le grew up surrounded by the vibrant flavors and stories of her family’s culture. Her love for storytelling took root early, despite English being her second language. A high school teacher’s encouragement sparked her passion for writing, leading her to pursue an MFA in fiction at Fairfield University, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree. Le’s career in publishing began as an editor at Simon & Schuster’s Atria Books, where she acquires dark, genre-bending adult fiction, sharpening her storytelling skills.
Her background as the youngest child of refugees shaped her perspective, infusing her work with themes of family, identity, and resilience. Le’s ability to draw from personal experiences makes her stories feel intimate and universal, connecting with readers across cultures.
Loan Le’s Unforgettable Stories
Le’s debut, A Pho Love Story (2021), is a YA rom-com that follows Linh Mai and Bảo Nguyễn, two teens whose families own rival phở restaurants in Little Saigon. This modern Romeo-and-Juliet tale explores love, cultural expectations, and intergenerational trauma with humor and heart. Critics lauded its vivid food descriptions and authentic Vietnamese-American representation, calling it “hearty and heartwarming” (Kirkus Reviews).
Her next work, Solving for the Unknown (Spring 2025), is a companion novel to A Pho Love Story, promising more contemporary YA charm. Le also contributed a speculative short story to the YA anthology Firsts & Lasts (2023), showcasing her versatility. Her writing style blends witty dialogue, emotional depth, and cultural specificity, making her stories both accessible and profound. Whether exploring romance or the refugee experience, Le’s narratives celebrate Vietnamese culture while tackling universal themes like self-discovery and belonging.
Beyond YA, Le is crafting dark, ghostly adult fiction, hinting at an exciting future. Her Pushcart Prize-nominated short stories in outlets like CRAFT Literary and Mud Season Review highlight her range, proving she’s a writer to watch in multiple genres.
Why Loan Le Matters
Loan Le’s impact lies in her ability to amplify Vietnamese-American voices in YA literature, a space where such stories were once scarce. Her #OwnVoices narratives offer representation for young readers navigating dual identities, while her focus on family and cultural heritage resonates universally. By blending lighthearted romance with serious themes like racism and generational trauma, Le creates stories that entertain and educate.
As an editor and board member of BookTalk, Le champions diverse voices in publishing, ensuring more stories reach readers. Her work is a love letter to her community, inspiring a new generation of writers and readers to embrace their heritage with pride.
- Born: To Vietnamese immigrant parents from Nha Trang
- Key Works: A Pho Love Story (2021), Solving for the Unknown (2025), Firsts & Lasts (2023)
- Awards: Pushcart Prize nominee, Junior Library Guild Selection
- Fun Fact: Le is a BTS fan and loves slow-burn K-Dramas!
Ready to fall in love with Loan Le’s storytelling? Grab A Pho Love Story and savor her heartfelt, culture-rich YA romance!