Picture an Australian storyteller who spun a queer reimagining of Grease into a beloved young adult rom-com—meet Sophie Gonzales! This rising star in YA fiction blends heart, wit, and inclusivity, crafting novels that resonate with readers worldwide. From her debut to her latest works, Gonzales’s stories explore love, identity, and the messy beauty of human connection with a playful, modern lens.
Born and raised in Whyalla, South Australia, Gonzales balances her career as a psychologist with her passion for writing queer romantic comedies. Her vibrant characters and sharp dialogue have earned her a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Let’s dive into the world of Sophie Gonzales and discover why her books are must-reads for YA fans!
The Making of Sophie Gonzales
Sophie Gonzales grew up in the rugged, coastal town of Whyalla, where the outback meets the sea. The second daughter of Spanish and Irish immigrants, she was a creative force from a young age, writing stories as early as five—though her mother famously vetoed her grim endings in favor of milkshakes! By age 11, Gonzales was penning Harry Potter fanfiction, honing her craft online. Her academic prowess shone through with a perfect English Studies score in high school, earning her a spot at the University of Adelaide, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) in 2014. While studying, she wrote her first full-length novel, fueling her dream of becoming a published author.
After moving to Melbourne for a psychology internship, Gonzales juggled 80-hour workweeks with her writing. Her persistence paid off with her 2018 debut, The Law of Inertia, and she transitioned to full-time writing in 2021, returning to Adelaide to focus on her craft. Her diverse passions—ice skating, musical theatre, and piano—infuse her storytelling with a lively, multifaceted charm.
Sophie Gonzales’s Unforgettable Stories
Gonzales’s novels are a delightful mix of queer romance, sharp humor, and heartfelt themes, often tackling identity, mental health, and relationships. Her debut, The Law of Inertia (2018), is an LGBT mystery exploring depression, anxiety, and suicide through the lens of two foster brothers. It showcased her ability to blend heavy topics with compelling narratives.
Her breakout hit, Only Mostly Devastated (2020), is a queer retelling of Grease, following Ollie and Will’s summer romance as it faces high school realities. Praised by Cosmopolitan as a must-read LGBTQ+ book, it landed on the American Booksellers Association’s Kids’ Indie Next List and was a Goodreads Choice Awards semi-finalist. Perfect on Paper (2021) follows bisexual Darcy Phillips, who runs an anonymous relationship advice service, navigating love and identity with wit and charm. Co-written with Cale Dietrich, If This Gets Out (2021) dives into a queer boy-band romance, earning a starred review from the School Library Journal. Her latest, The Perfect Guy Doesn’t Exist (2024), is a sapphic friends-to-enemies-to-lovers tale, cementing her knack for fresh, inclusive stories.
Gonzales’s writing shines with clean prose, authentic teen voices, and diverse representation, from bisexual and trans characters to pansexual and nonbinary side characters. Her stories balance humor and heart, making them accessible yet profound, appealing to readers seeking both escapism and empathy.
Why Sophie Gonzales Matters
Sophie Gonzales has carved a vital space in YA fiction, championing queer representation and mental health awareness. Her novels normalize diverse identities, offering teens relatable heroes who navigate love and self-discovery. By reimagining classics like Grease through a queer lens, she bridges nostalgia and modernity, broadening the rom-com genre’s appeal. Her work fosters empathy, as she notes in interviews, helping readers step into others’ shoes. With awards like the Southern Book Prize finalist and Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlist, Gonzales’s influence is undeniable, inspiring a new generation of inclusive storytelling.
- Born: Whyalla, South Australia
- Key Works:* * The Law of Inertia, Only Mostly Devastated, Perfect on Paper, If This Gets Out
- Awards: Goodreads Choice Awards semi-finalist, Southern Book Prize finalist
- Hobbies: Ice skating, musical theatre, piano
Snag Only Mostly Devastated or Perfect on Paper and dive into Sophie Gonzales’s heartwarming, hilarious world of queer rom-coms!