Picture a storyteller who spun a queer Latina teen’s journey into a literary gem—meet Sonora Reyes! This Arizona-born author burst onto the Young Adult scene with her debut, The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School, a vibrant tale of identity and self-acceptance. With a knack for blending humor, heart, and hard-hitting themes, Reyes has become a beacon for diversity in literature.
As a queer second-generation Mexican-American, Reyes channels her lived experiences into stories that resonate with readers craving authentic voices. Her work doesn’t just entertain—it challenges norms, uplifts marginalized communities, and sparks conversations about queerness, culture, and resilience.
The Making of Sonora Reyes
Born and raised in Arizona, Sonora Reyes grew up in a multigenerational family home, surrounded by love, culture, and a pack of dogs who probably think they run the place. From a young age, Reyes was drawn to storytelling, dabbling in writing alongside dreams of being a dancer, poet, or even an astronaut. Her time at a Catholic high school, navigating her queer identity in a conservative setting, would later shape her bold, unapologetic voice. After years of honing her craft, Reyes took a leap during NaNoWriMo 2018, penning her debut novel in a whirlwind of creativity.
Sonora Reyes’s Unforgettable Stories
Reyes’s debut, The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School (2022), follows Yamilet Flores, a queer Mexican-American teen navigating a mostly white Catholic school while grappling with her sexuality. Packed with witty banter, a swoon-worthy romance, and raw explorations of homophobia and cultural identity, it earned accolades like a National Book Award Finalist spot and the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Young Adult. Critics praised its uplifting tone and authentic voice, calling it a “warm, protective hug” for teens.
Her sophomore novel, The Luis Ortega Survival Club (2023), dives into tougher territory—a group of teens seeking justice after nonconsensual encounters. Described by Reyes as a “personal revenge fantasy,” it showcases her ability to tackle heavy themes with nuance and hope. Reyes also ventured into adult romance with The Broposal (2024), a charming tale of two friends whose fake marriage sparks real love. Across genres, Reyes’s style shines: sharp, heartfelt, and unapologetically queer, with characters who leap off the page.
Short stories in anthologies like Transmogrify! and For the Rest of Us further highlight her versatility, blending queer and Mexican narratives with universal themes of love and belonging. Whether she’s writing for teens or adults, Reyes’s stories are a celebration of identity and resilience.
Why Sonora Reyes Matters
Sonora Reyes is more than an author—she’s a movement. Through her writing and advocacy, like founding the #QPOCChat Twitter community, she amplifies queer writers of color, pushing for a publishing industry that reflects the world’s diversity. Her stories offer representation for queer Latinx youth, showing them they’re not alone. In an era of book bans targeting LGBTQ+ narratives, Reyes’s work stands as a defiant, joyful act of resistance, inspiring readers to embrace their truths.
Her impact extends beyond the page, fostering community and sparking change. By weaving humor and hope into complex issues, Reyes has carved a space where marginalized voices thrive, proving that stories can be both mirrors and windows.
- Born: Arizona, USA
- Key Works: The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School, The Luis Ortega Survival Club, The Broposal
- Awards: National Book Award Finalist, Lambda Literary Award, Pura Belpré Honor
- Fun Fact: Reyes loves dancing, karaoke, and playing with her baby niblings.
Snag The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School and dive into Sonora Reyes’s vibrant world of queer joy and resilience!