Sonora

Reyes

National Bestselling Author

Pronouns: They/Them

Travels from: Arizona

“Deeply moving, laugh-out-loud funny, and swoony, Reyes packs it all in, in this powerful coming-of-age story about unapologetically loving ourselves—and others.” — J.Elle, New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Ebony

Born and raised in Arizona, Sonora Reyes is the author of The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School and the forthcoming contemporary young adult novel: The Luis Ortega Survival Club. In Sonora’s sharply funny and moving debut novel, The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School follows a queer Mexican American girl navigating Catholic school, while falling in love and learning to celebrate her true self. It is a finalist for the NBA for Young Adult Literature.

Sonora writes fiction full of queer and Latinx characters in a variety of genres, with current projects in both kidlit and adult categories. Sonora is also the creator and host of the Twitter chat #QPOCChat, a monthly community-building chat for queer writers of color.

They currently live in Arizona in a multi-generational family home with a small pack of dogs who run the place. Outside of writing, Sonora loves dancing, singing karaoke, and playing with their baby nephew.

Sonora’s Authors Out Loud Profile:

The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School

May 17, 2022

National Bestseller * National Book Award Finalist

A sharply funny and moving debut novel about a queer Mexican American girl navigating Catholic school, while falling in love and learning to celebrate her true self. Perfect for fans of Erika L. Sánchez, Leah Johnson, and Gabby Rivera.

Sixteen-year-old Yamilet Flores prefers to be known for her killer eyeliner, not for being one of the only Mexican kids at her new, mostly white, very rich Catholic school. But at least here no one knows she’s gay, and Yami intends to keep it that way.

After being outed by her crush and ex-best friend before transferring to Slayton Catholic, Yami has new priorities: keep her brother out of trouble, make her mom proud, and, most importantly, don’t fall in love. Granted, she’s never been great at any of those things, but that’s a problem for Future Yami.

The thing is, it’s hard to fake being straight when Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, is so annoyingly perfect. And smart. And talented. And cute. So cute. Either way, Yami isn’t going to make the same mistake again. If word got back to her mom, she could face a lot worse than rejection. So she’ll have to start asking, WWSGD: What would a straight girl do?

Told in a captivating voice that is by turns hilarious, vulnerable, and searingly honest, The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School explores the joys and heartaches of living your full truth out loud.

Bestseller, Comedy & Humor, Coming of Age, Diversity & Inclusion, Female Author, Fiction, Friendship & Community, Gender & Sexuality, Latinx, LGBTQI+, Young Adult

Is it really possible to write a novel in 30 days?

In this presentation, Sonora Reyes will go over ways to prepare for writing a first draft of a novel in 30 days for both plotters and discovery writers, and tips on how to manage time while writing.

Healing through writing

In this presentation, Sonora Reyes will go over how they used writing to process some of their own trauma, and how writing and art can be a tool for healing.

Paola M Guerrero | Sonora Reyes on the coming out journey

Dymocks Books | Sonora Reyes on The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School

The Chills at Will Podcast with Sonora Reyes

“Filled with humor and love, this fast-paced novel will have readers immersed in Yamilet’s world, rooting for her and her loved ones all the way.” — School Library Journal

“Reyes’s hopeful debut excels in its honest depiction of family dynamics, highlighting Yami’s sense of responsibility for Cesar and her loving but tense relationship with her mother. As the narrative vulnerably tackles difficult subjects such as intolerant religious institutions and living with mental illness, Yami’s sardonic voice adds levity and heart.” — Publishers Weekly

“Yami’s first-person narration is compelling, as she acknowledges her own flaws freely and saves her best opinions for everyone else. The slow realization that she is also worth admiration and even love is all the more satisfying for the work taken to get there… Reyes doesn’t dismiss harsher realities, but rather tempers them with a steady drumbeat that life does not have to be anywhere near perfect to still be deliriously joyful a lot of the time. ” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The portrayal of found family and the threads of love and acceptance woven into this story make it a satisfying read with a hopeful ending….A textured and gratifying novel.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Debut author Reyes does not shy away from serious issues that teenagers face, approaching them with the utmost respect…. Despite [some weightier themes], Yami learns to find positivity in her life through her family’s and friends’ encouragement to just be honest. Readers will applaud both Yami’s and Caesar’s growth and bravery.” — Booklist

#QPOCChat is a monthly chat on Twitter where queer writers of color come together for an hour of conversation about our projects and identities. The chat is held every last Thursday of the month at 8pm EST. Check out the hashtag #QPOCChat to join! Questions and concerns can be directed to my Twitter @sonorareyes.