Picture a Jersey girl with Colombian roots spinning tales of love, family, and vibrant Latinx culture—meet Monica Gomez-Hira! This debut novelist burst onto the young adult scene with her irresistible rom-com Once Upon a Quinceañera, a story that dances with telenovela flair and heartwarming authenticity. A lifelong book lover, Gomez-Hira’s journey from literary agencies to published author is as inspiring as her multicultural narratives.
Born to Colombian immigrant parents, Gomez-Hira’s life is a tapestry of cultures—she’s the wife of an Indian immigrant, mother to a half-Latina, half-Indian daughter, and a Springsteen-loving Jersey native who can’t resist a good salsa beat. Her unique perspective fuels her storytelling, making her a fresh voice in YA literature that celebrates identity and resilience.
The Making of Monica Gomez-Hira
Growing up in Union City, New Jersey, and later Miami, Gomez-Hira was surrounded by Cuban and Colombian communities, which shaped her cultural lens. She earned a BA in English from Wellesley College, where her love for literature deepened. After college, she dove into the book world, working in literary agencies before joining the publicity and editorial teams at Simon & Schuster and Random House. Later, as a children’s lead bookseller at Barnes & Noble, she connected with young readers, sparking her desire to write stories that reflected her own vibrant background.
Her fascination with quinceañeras began over 25 years ago at a dazzling celebration during her college years. The spectacle of a 15-year-old emerging from a giant flower left a lasting impression, planting the seed for her debut novel. Years in the publishing industry honed her craft, and by 2015, she began writing the story that would become Once Upon a Quinceañera.
Monica Gomez-Hira’s Unforgettable Stories
Gomez-Hira’s debut, Once Upon a Quinceañera (HarperTeen, 2021), is a sparkling YA rom-com that follows Carmen Aguilar, an 18-year-old Miami teen navigating a summer internship as a party princess. Tasked with performing at her cousin’s extravagant quinceañera alongside her ex-boyfriend Mauro, Carmen grapples with family drama, past mistakes, and her own canceled quince. Critics praised its “riveting telenovela style” (NPR) and vibrant Miami setting, likening it to Jane the Virgin for its humor and heart.
Her writing shines with sarcastic wit, relatable teen characters, and themes of forgiveness, identity, and second chances. Drawing from her Latinx heritage, Gomez-Hira weaves intergenerational family dynamics and cultural traditions into her narratives, creating authentic, messy, and lovable characters. While Once Upon a Quinceañera remains her flagship work, mentions of forthcoming titles like Untitled and Tomorrow y Mañana hint at more stories to come, promising further exploration of diverse voices and coming-of-age journeys.
Gomez-Hira’s style is accessible yet layered, blending lighthearted romance with deeper reflections on prejudice, classism, and personal growth. Her mentorship under YA author Rachel Lynn Solomon during Pitch Wars helped refine her ability to balance humor, romance, and emotional stakes, making her stories resonate with teens and adults alike.
Why Monica Gomez-Hira Matters
Monica Gomez-Hira’s impact lies in her ability to amplify Latinx stories in YA literature, a genre where diverse representation has historically been scarce. Her debut novel fills a gap by centering a quinceañera—a cultural milestone rarely explored in mainstream fiction—while tackling universal themes of family and self-discovery. Readers, especially Latinx teens, find validation in her authentic portrayals of cultural identity and the complexities of growing up in multicultural families.
Her journey from publishing insider to debut author also inspires aspiring writers, proving that persistence and passion can break barriers. By drawing on her Colombian heritage and Jersey roots, Gomez-Hira crafts stories that celebrate the multiplicity of Latinx experiences, paving the way for more inclusive narratives in YA fiction.
- Key Work: Once Upon a Quinceañera (2021)
- Education: BA in English, Wellesley College
- Lives In: Minneapolis, MN
Snag Once Upon a Quinceañera and dive into Monica Gomez-Hira’s vibrant world of romance, family, and Latinx pride!