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 the author of the Chloe Vega series, which has been named an Américas Award Commended Title and is a Vibrant Voices pick for the New York Public Library. Leslie grew up in the Inland Empire, specifically Ontario, California.

Leslie's Featured Titles

Chloe Vega and the Missing Unseen (Chloe Vega and the Agents of Magic, 2)

HarperCollins |

October 6, 2026

Middle Grade

Secrets, magic, and danger collide in the second book of Leslie Adame’s thrilling middle grade fantasy series, as Chloe must master her newfound powers to stop a destructive sorcerer — perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and Witchlings.

After saving her parents from the clutches of an evil sorcerer, Chloe Vega just wants a normal year at her magical academy. But when you wield legendary new powers, danger is never far behind.

Her enemies will stop at nothing to use her to reveal the Agents of Magic to the rest of the world. And with their secret society on the brink of discovery, the agency begins to question whether Chloe is their best weapon—or their greatest risk.

When Chloe’s powers spiral out of control, the cost isn’t just their chance at victory, it’s the people she loves. Can she master her powers in time or will she lose everything?

BIPOC Representation, Family Narratives, Fantasy, Speculative & Science Fiction, Fiction, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade

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, Family Narratives, Fantasy, Speculative & Science Fiction, Fiction, Immigrant & Refugee Perspectives, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Latinx Heritage, Mystery & Thriller

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.

“Packed with action and meaningful emotional stakes, this sequel expands Chloe’s magical world while continuing to examine timely themes of identity and justice. Compelling and character-driven fantasy with plenty of heart.” — Kirkus Review about Chloe Vega and the Missing Unseen

“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

Leslie’s Events Link

Leslie’s School Visits