Picture a non-binary Afro-Latine storyteller weaving thrilling tales from the heart of the Bronx—meet Vincent Tirado! This rising star in young adult fantasy burst onto the scene with their 2022 debut, Burn Down, Rise Up, a sapphic horror novel that’s equal parts eerie and heartfelt. With a knack for blending supernatural chills with real-world grit, Tirado’s stories resonate with readers craving diverse voices and bold narratives.
Born and raised in the vibrant, gritty Bronx, Tirado’s work is a love letter to their community, infused with the cultural richness and historical weight of their hometown. Their unique perspective as a non-binary Afro-Latine author brings fresh energy to the YA genre, making them a must-read for fans of thrilling, inclusive stories.
The Making of Vincent Tirado
Vincent Tirado’s journey to literary stardom began in the Bronx, where weekly library trips with a best friend fueled a lifelong love for storytelling. As a teen, Tirado devoured young adult fiction, dreaming up their own tales while running cross country and playing soccer. Initially set on a pre-med path, they earned a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in bioethics in Pennsylvania and Ohio, but the pull of writing proved stronger than a stethoscope. Early manuscripts—like a self-described “terrible” high school novel—paved the way for their polished debut, proving that persistence pays off.
Vincent Tirado’s Unforgettable Stories
Tirado’s debut, Burn Down, Rise Up (2022), is a pulse-pounding blend of horror and social commentary. Following Raquel, a queer Afro-Latina teen, the novel dives into the Echo Game, a sinister urban legend tied to the Bronx’s 1970s fires, when slumlords torched buildings for insurance money. Praised as “Stranger Things meets Jordan Peele,” it won the 2023 Pura Belpré Award and was a finalist for the Bram Stoker and Lambda Literary Awards, cementing Tirado’s reputation.
Their sophomore novel, We Don’t Swim Here (2023), is a chilling ghost story set in a secretive small town, showcasing Tirado’s versatility. In 2024, We Came to Welcome You, a psychological horror about a queer BIPOC couple facing a creepy neighborhood, further proved their knack for blending dread with heart. Tirado’s short story in the 2024 anthology The Black Girl Survives in This One highlights their ability to craft compact, powerful narratives. Their style—vivid, accessible, and steeped in cultural authenticity—makes every page a gripping ode to the Bronx and beyond.
Why Vincent Tirado Matters
Vincent Tirado’s impact lies in their fearless representation of marginalized voices. As a non-binary Afro-Latine author, they bring queer, Black, and Latine experiences to the forefront, challenging the YA genre’s historically white, straight norms. Their stories don’t shy away from tough topics like systemic racism or historical trauma, yet they’re infused with hope, community, and resilience. By centering the Bronx’s vibrant culture and painful past, Tirado inspires readers to embrace their identities and confront injustice, making them a vital voice in modern literature.
- Born: Bronx, New York
- Key Works: Burn Down, Rise Up (2022), We Don’t Swim Here (2023), We Came to Welcome You (2024)
- Awards: 2023 Pura Belpré Young Adult Author Award
Ready to get spooked and inspired? Grab Burn Down, Rise Up and dive into Vincent Tirado’s thrilling world of horror and heart!