Picture a storyteller weaving Latinx magic and queer rebellion into young adult fantasy—meet Tehlor Kay Mejia! This Oregon-based author burst onto the scene with their 2019 debut, We Set the Dark on Fire, a dystopian tale that’s as fierce as it is heartfelt. With a passion for representing marginalized teens, Mejia crafts stories that blend ancestral wisdom, social commentary, and captivating worlds, all while tending to heirloom corn and chasing the perfect vegan tamale in their Southern Oregon home.
The Making of Tehlor Kay Mejia
Born and raised in Oregon, Tehlor Kay Mejia is a third-generation Mexican-American whose roots deeply influence their storytelling. A self-taught writer, Mejia didn’t pursue formal post-secondary education but found their voice through a love of poetry, music, and nature. Growing up, they rarely saw queer or Latinx characters in books, sparking a mission to create stories where marginalized teens could see themselves as heroes. Before becoming a bestselling author, Mejia honed their craft through short stories and a fierce commitment to community activism.
Tehlor Kay Mejia’s Unforgettable Stories
Mejia’s debut, We Set the Dark on Fire (2019), is a feminist dystopian fantasy set in a Latinx-inspired world where women navigate a patriarchal society as rival wives. Its blend of political intrigue, queer romance, and rebellion earned six starred reviews and the Oregon Spirit Book Award. The sequel, We Unleash the Merciless Storm (2020), dives deeper into resistance and love, cementing Mejia’s knack for timely themes. Their middle-grade novel, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears (2020), published under Disney’s Rick Riordan Presents, weaves Mexican folklore with a spunky heroine, earning four starred reviews and Amazon’s best book of 2020 for ages 9–12. Co-authored with Anna-Marie McLemore, Miss Meteor (2020) sparkles with magical realism and queer Latinx joy, landing on the ALA’s 2021 Rainbow List.
Mejia’s style is a vibrant tapestry of Latinx culture, queer representation, and speculative fiction. Their worlds feel alive with lush imagery drawn from nature—think wild woods and alpine meadows—while tackling issues like immigration, privilege, and resistance. Whether it’s a dystopian revolution or a middle-grade adventure, Mejia’s stories pulse with hope, community, and radical inclusion, making them a beacon for diverse readers.
Why Tehlor Kay Mejia Matters
Tehlor Kay Mejia’s work is a game-changer in young adult and middle-grade literature, where Latinx and queer voices are still underrepresented. By blending fantasy with real-world issues, they challenge readers to question power structures while celebrating identity and resilience. Mejia’s advocacy for marginalized teens extends beyond their books, as they actively engage with fans and the Latinx literary community on social media. Their stories inspire a new generation to find joy and fight for change, proving representation can be, as Mejia says, “life or death.”
- Born: Oregon, USA
- Key Works: We Set the Dark on Fire, We Unleash the Merciless Storm, Paola Santiago and the River of Tears, Miss Meteor
- Awards: Oregon Spirit Book Award, Neukom Institute Literary Arts Award runner-up
- Pronouns: He/him
Ready to dive into a world of rebellion, magic, and heart? Snag We Set the Dark on Fire and discover Tehlor Kay Mejia’s unforgettable storytelling!