Picture a Chinese-American storyteller who reimagined Cinderella as a sapphic fairy tale—meet Malinda Lo! This acclaimed Young Adult author has captivated readers with her lush, genre-blending novels that center LGBTQ+ characters and challenge conventions. From fantasy quests to historical romances, Lo’s stories offer vibrant representation and emotional depth, making her a beloved voice in modern literature.
Born in China and raised in the United States, Lo’s unique perspective infuses her work with cultural richness and a passion for diversity. Her novels, like Ash and Last Night at the Telegraph Club, have earned critical praise and a devoted following, proving that love stories can transcend boundaries and inspire change.
The Making of Malinda Lo
Malinda Lo was born in China and immigrated to the U.S. at age three, growing up in Colorado before settling in Massachusetts. A Wellesley College graduate, she earned master’s degrees from Harvard and Stanford, initially pursuing anthropology. However, her love for storytelling led her to journalism, where she wrote for AfterEllen and Curve, honing her voice as a queer advocate. This foundation shaped her transition to fiction, where she found her calling in Young Adult literature.
Lo’s early career wasn’t all fairy tales—she faced the grind of freelance writing and academia before diving into novels. Her determination and cultural heritage fueled her mission to craft stories that reflect diverse identities, particularly for queer teens seeking heroes who mirror their experiences.
Malinda Lo’s Unforgettable Stories
Lo’s debut, Ash (2009), is a lesbian retelling of Cinderella, where Ash falls for Kaisa, the King’s Huntress, instead of a prince. Its lyrical prose and bold queer romance earned nominations for the Lambda Literary and William C. Morris Awards, marking Lo as a trailblazer. The companion novel, Huntress (2011), a prequel steeped in Chinese mythology, follows Kaede and Taisin on a magical quest, blending action with tender love.
Lo’s versatility shines in Last Night at the Telegraph Club (2021), a historical coming-of-age tale set in 1950s San Francisco. This National Book Award winner explores Chinese-American teen Lily Hu’s awakening to her lesbian identity amid societal repression. Lo’s ability to weave fantasy, sci-fi, and historical genres with authentic queer narratives sets her apart, offering readers both escapism and real-world resonance.
Her writing style—lush, character-driven, and emotionally raw—captures the complexities of identity and love. Whether it’s a fairy-tale forest or a Chinatown nightclub, Lo’s settings feel alive, inviting readers into worlds where marginalized voices take center stage.
Why Malinda Lo Matters
Malinda Lo’s impact extends beyond her books. In 2011, she co-founded Diversity in YA with Cindy Pon, a platform celebrating representation in literature. Her data-driven analyses of diversity in bestselling YA novels have sparked industry conversations, pushing for more inclusive storytelling. Lo’s work has inspired countless queer teens, offering them stories where love and heroism aren’t confined by heteronormative norms.
Her advocacy and awards—like the National Book Award and Carnegie Corporation’s Great Immigrants honor—cement her as a literary force. By normalizing same-sex love in fantastical and historical settings, Lo has redefined YA fiction, proving that diverse stories are universal and essential.
- Born: China, immigrated to U.S. at age three
- Key Works: Ash, Huntress, Last Night at the Telegraph Club
- Awards: National Book Award (2021), multiple Lambda Literary Award nominations
- Fun Fact: Lo lives in Massachusetts with her wife, Amy Lovell, and their dog.
Ready to fall in love with a fairy tale or a heartfelt historical romance? Grab Ash or Last Night at the Telegraph Club and dive into Malinda Lo’s enchanting worlds!