Leslie

Adame

Middle Grade Author

Fantasy Writer

Travels from: Los Angeles, CA

“With topnotch worldbuilding, relatable characters, and rollercoaster action, Adame has created a new series that will enthrall readers and have them begging for more adventure.” — Adrianna Cuevas, author of the Pura Belpré Honor Book The Total Eclipse of Nester Lopez

Leslie Adame is a first-generation Mexican American and graduate of UCLA with a degree in political science and a minor in film, television, and digital media. She’s always enjoyed giving back and telling stories about characters not often found in books or films.

Her debut Latinx middle grade fantasy is Chloe Vega and the Agents of Magic, where a secret magical academy, an evil sorcerer, and a powerful, coveted gem awaits one girl in her quest to reunite her family.

Leslie grew up in the Inland Empire, specifically Ontario, California. When she’s not writing, you can find Leslie scanning the aisles of your local bookstore, lovingly pestering her family, and catching a flight to explore a new place. She loves watching rom-coms, Disney movies, and trashy reality TV in her spare time, especially while cuddling with her cat.

Leslie's Featured Titles

Chloe Vega and the Agents of Magic

HarperCollins |

September 16, 2025

Middle Grade

“A timely adventure filled with heart, magic, and the power of family.” — Claribel A. Ortega, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlings series

A new Latinx middle grade fantasy debut where a secret magical academy, an evil sorcerer, and a powerful, coveted gem awaits one girl in her quest to reunite her family. Perfect for fans of Claribel A. Ortega and B. B. Alston!

Twelve-year-old Chloe Vega’s biggest fear is that her undocumented parents will be detained by immigration. That is, until she learns that her parents are actually part of a secret magical society…and that the suspicious looking police officers who have been hanging around their block are henchmen for an evil sorcerer determined to settle a decades-old score.

Just when Chloe discovers that she has powers, too, her parents are kidnapped. In order to rescue them, she’ll need to harness her abilities at an elite academy, run by the very agency who exiled her parents from the magical world.

Finding herself in the center of a magical war that might destroy everything she has ever known, Chloe can’t shake the feeling that the Agents of Magic are hiding secrets. With her parents’ lives hanging in the balance, she must uncover who is truly on her side and fast to save her family—and the world itself.

BIPOC Representation, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Fantasy, Fiction, Immigrant & Refugee Perspectives, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Latinx Heritage, Mystery & Thriller, Parenting & Families

Becoming an Author

I share my journey from growing up in the Inland Empire as a first-generation Mexican American to becoming a published author, driven by my love for storytelling and my desire to represent underrepresented voices in fiction. I hope to inspire my audience by showing them that pursuing creative fields is an option for them too.

Chloe Vega and the Making of a Series

In this presentation, I share the behind the scenes for how the CHLOE VEGA series came to life. From characters, plot, and artwork, the audience will get an exclusive look at my thought process for the series.

Build Your Own Character

Characters make up a huge portion of our stories. It takes a lot of work to make them pop out and feel real. In this talk, I will walk the audience through tools they can use to create their own characters, both good and evil.

“A timely adventure filled with heart, magic and the power of family.” — Claribel A. Ortega, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlings series

“A heartfelt adventure full of suspense, wonder, and nonstop thrills that nabbed my imagination from the very first page.” — Terry J. Benton-Walker, author of the Alex Wise vs the End of the World series

“A socially conscious fantasy full of danger, discovery, and heart.” — Kirkus Reviews

“This fast-paced tale is a great pick for fans of magic, especially those who want to find the magic within themselves.” — Booklist

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