Picture a Korean-American storyteller who brought the spunky Mindy Kim and K-pop star Skye Shin to life—meet Lyla Lee! This bestselling author has enchanted young readers with her vibrant tales that celebrate Asian-American culture, weaving humor, heart, and heritage into every page. From her South Korean roots to her Dallas home, Lee’s stories are a love letter to identity and resilience.
The Making of Lyla Lee
Born in South Korea, Lyla Lee immigrated to the United States as a child, hopping between cities like California, Florida, and Texas. Her love for storytelling sparked in fourth grade, inspired by an encouraging English teacher. By fourteen, she’d penned her first novel, a feat that set the stage for her future. After studying Psychology and Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California and dabbling in Hollywood jobs, Lee settled in Dallas, where she now crafts her beloved books.
Lyla Lee’s Unforgettable Stories
Lee’s writing is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and cultural pride, often drawing from her Korean heritage and love for K-pop and K-dramas. Her Mindy Kim series, pitched as Fresh Off the Boat meets Junie B. Jones, follows a plucky Korean-American second-grader navigating life’s challenges, from starting a seaweed snack business to celebrating Lunar New Year. The series, with titles like Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business, resonates with young readers craving representation.
In young adult fiction, Lee shines with I’ll Be the One, a rom-com about Skye Shin, a bisexual, plus-sized Korean-American teen chasing K-pop stardom. The book, optioned by HBO, tackles fatphobia and beauty standards with a joyful, body-positive lens. Flip the Script, another YA hit, dives into K-drama romance with a sapphic twist, while Gigi Shin Is Not a Nerd targets middle-grade readers with ambition-fueled adventures. Lee’s stories are vibrant, relatable, and unapologetically inclusive.
Why Lyla Lee Matters
Lyla Lee’s impact lies in her commitment to representation. Her books give Korean-American and LGBTQ+ youth characters who mirror their struggles and dreams, fostering pride in their identities. By tackling themes like mental health, body positivity, and cultural heritage, Lee’s work empowers readers to embrace who they are. Her stories, translated into multiple languages, have sparked global conversations about diversity in literature, making her a trailblazer in children’s and YA genres.
- Born: South Korea
- Key Works: Mindy Kim series, I’ll Be the One, Flip the Script, Gigi Shin Is Not a Nerd
- Fun Fact: Lee loves K-dramas, shaved ice, and her Siberian Husky, Eiva.
About Lyla Lee
Snag I’ll Be the One or a Mindy Kim adventure and dive into Lyla Lee’s heartwarming world of culture, courage, and K-pop dreams!