Picture a storyteller who spun tales of queer friendship and fearless activism, shaking up young adult fiction with raw, real narratives—meet Mark Oshiro! Born in 1983, this queer Latinx author burst onto the scene with their Hugo-nominated online universe, Mark Does Stuff, before crafting novels that tackle tough truths with heart. Their debut, Anger Is a Gift, is a game-changer, blending grit and hope in a way that’s impossible to forget.
Oshiro’s stories aren’t just books—they’re calls to action, urging readers to confront systemic injustice while celebrating diverse identities. With a knack for weaving personal pain into powerful prose, they’ve carved a unique space in contemporary literature. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this trailblazing voice!
The Making of Mark Oshiro
Born on October 23, 1983, in Los Angeles, Mark Oshiro grew up in a world where stories were a refuge. A self-described queer, nonbinary Latinx, they found inspiration in everything from Goosebumps to My So-Called Life, where Wilson Cruz’s portrayal of a queer Latinx teen sparked a lifelong mission to amplify marginalized voices. Oshiro’s early career kicked off with their Mark Does Stuff blogs, where they analyzed books and TV shows with wit and insight, earning a Hugo nomination for Fan Writer.
Before becoming a novelist, Oshiro edited Queers Destroy Science Fiction! and co-edited Speculative Fiction 2015, honing their craft while advocating for inclusivity. Their leap to fiction was fueled by a desire to reflect their own high school experiences—particularly the jarring presence of police resource officers—in stories that resonate with today’s youth.
Mark Oshiro’s Unforgettable Stories
Oshiro’s debut, Anger Is a Gift (2018), follows Moss Jeffries, a Black, gay teen navigating grief and systemic racism in Oakland after his father’s death by police. The novel’s unflinching look at police brutality and its vibrant, diverse cast earned it the 2019 Schneider Family Book Award. Readers praised its raw emotion and Moss’s journey to channel anger into activism, making it a cornerstone of social justice-themed YA.
Each of Us a Desert (2020) shifts to fantasy, blending magical realism with Latinx folklore. It centers on Xochitl, a cuentista who absorbs her village’s stories, only to question her role after a shocking revelation. Oshiro’s poetic prose and queer, trauma-informed lens shine here, offering a fresh take on identity and healing. Into the Light (2023) explores adoption and survival, while The Sun and the Star (2023, co-authored with Rick Riordan) brings queer joy to the Percy Jackson universe, delighting fans with Nico di Angelo’s adventure.
Oshiro’s style is bold yet tender, weaving intersectional identities—Black, Latinx, queer, disabled—into narratives that feel both personal and universal. Their focus on trauma, resilience, and community sets them apart, with each book inviting readers to embrace their own complexities.
Why Mark Oshiro Matters
Mark Oshiro’s impact lies in their fearless storytelling and commitment to representation. By centering queer teens of color in stories about police violence, systemic oppression, and personal growth, they’ve given a generation of readers mirrors to see themselves and windows to understand others. Their work resonates deeply with young queer and BIPOC audiences, who find validation in characters like Moss or Xochitl, while challenging all readers to confront uncomfortable realities.
Oshiro’s influence extends beyond books. Through school visits and online platforms, they inspire kids to question, create, and fight for justice, fostering a new wave of activists and storytellers. Their Hugo nominations and awards underscore their literary prowess, but it’s their heart-on-the-page authenticity that makes them a vital voice in YA fiction.
About Mark Oshiro
- Born: October 23, 1983, Los Angeles, CA
- Key Works: Anger Is a Gift, Each of Us a Desert, Into the Light, The Sun and the Star
- Awards: 2019 Schneider Family Book Award, Lammy Award nominee
- Pronouns: They/them
Ready to feel all the feels? Snag Anger Is a Gift or Each of Us a Desert and dive into Mark Oshiro’s gripping, heartfelt world of YA fiction!