Rainbow Boys Anniversary Edition: Queer YA Then and Now - From Visibility to Possibility

In honor of the 25th Anniversary Edition of Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez, I was asked how I might celebrate this silver anniversary.

What better way than to chronicle Queer Rep then and NOW.

Representation has come such a long way over the years, and queer representation is right along with it in such a beautiful way. Lucky for us, not only have we gotten MORE, but the overall representation within queer lit has also expanded – identity, race, culture, gender, and the kinds of stories we are getting show more of us in those books. 

Starting with the masterpiece that we are celebrating – Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez. Celebrating 25 years, this was a groundbreaking novel, making gay teens feel seen and quite possible the most accessible YA novel of its time. Rainbow Boys navigated they early 2000’s hetero-normative society with three seniors looking for their place. Full of emotion and cultural impact, the plot centers on the coming-out experience during the pre-technology onslaught, when there was still stigma around HIV/AIDS. Sanchez offered hope and this book is now an essential piece of YA queer lit history. 

 

About the Author

ALEX SANCHEZ (he/him/his) spent almost fifteen years working with youth. He
is the author of the teen novels Boyfriends with Girlfriends, Bait, The God Box, Getting It, Rainbow Boys, Rainbow High, and Rainbow Road, as well as the Lambda Award–winning middle grade novel So Hard to Say. Lambda Literary honored Alex with a Jim Duggins, PhD Outstanding Mid-Career Novelists’ Prize. He lives in Thailand and Hollywood, Florida. Visit him at AlexSanchez.com.

Because of what Rainbow Boys and other books have done, we have so many options within this space. Here are a few:

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

 

You have seen it everywhere, these bright, colorful graphic novels. A TV show now! This story had changed the narrative by offering a more-hopeful story of love and relationship in the queer space. It has the feel of a more ordinary teenage life where gay teens are free to find friendship, romance, and be joyful and awkward.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz 

 

Books like this one are a good example of how writers have space for introspection. This one focuses on Mexican American identity, family, masculinity, and is a coming-of-age alongside sexuality.

  

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender 

 

One that I have not read yet, but it is on my list! Centers on a black, queer, transgender teen that navigates self-worth, community dynamics and some romance.

We are even graced with beautiful Middle Grade queer literature now as well.

When You’re Brave Enough by Rebecca Bendheim 

 

A coming-of-age story that explores the nuance of coming out as a lesbian in middle school. Lacey is queer, Jewish and the pressure around both. The emotion and bravery in this book were absolutely beautiful. 

  

Recent Reads: Castle Swimmer: Volume 1 by Wendy Martin

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Castle Swimmer: Volume 1 by Wendy Martin

Series: Castle Swimmer #1
Publisher: Ten Speed Graphic
Publication Date:  October 22, 2024 

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

In the gorgeous first installment of the hit Webtoon series Castle Swimmer, two young mermen reject their destinies and embark on an epic adventure full of romance and danger, featuring exclusive bonus material.

From the moment Kappa tumbles into existence on the ocean floor, his life’s purpose is already decided for him: He is the Beacon, a light to all sea creatures, and destined to fulfill their many prophesies. In high demand and under immense pressure, Kappa quickly realizes that fame and glory are small compensation for a life of predetermined self-sacrifice.

Unable to resist the call of destiny due to a magical yellow cord that appears from his chest and pulls him inexorably to any sea creatures he swims by, Kappa ultimately finds himself drawn to the Shark kingdom, where he is immediately imprisoned. The Sharks’ prophecy states that the curse maiming their people will only be lifted once their prince, Siren, kills the Beacon. But when Prince Siren decides to defy fate and help Kappa escape, Kappa realizes that there might be more to life than fulfilling endless prophesies, leading to a raucous adventure as big and unpredictable as the ocean itself—and a romance that nobody could have predicted.

Episodes 1-19 of Webtoon's Castle Swimmer Season 1 is collected in this stunning graphic novel, which also includes a never-before-seen bonus chapter featuring Kappa and Siren.

Review: 

This is such a creative story. The underwater world was beautiful and such a fun setting. The plot itself was an interesting one, Kappa was made as the Beacon, to fulfill prophecies. Siren is the Shark Prince and he is meant to kill the Beacon in order to fulfill their clan's prophecy... and things get complicated when the two of them become friends.

I really loved the illustrations in this one. They were beautiful, detailed, and vibrant, and I appreciated that there wasn't an overwhelming amount of text. The artwork was often allowed to take the lead, especially when it came to showing the characters' emotions and the turmoil they were experiencing. There were moments where the illustrations communicated what the characters were feeling far better than words could have.

I liked Kappa, although I felt like this installment focused a little more on Siren. Kappa starts out as curious and hopeful, but after the time jump, you can really see how much he's changed. He seems sad and lonely, and I found that shift in his character interesting. I know we will get more as the series progresses. 

Siren is carrying his own burden, too. He's not just dealing with the prophecy that says he must kill Kappa, but also with the responsibility of being a prince and the survival of his people. In a way, that's what makes their relationship so meaningful. They both have so much expectation placed on them, and neither of thm really knows how to carry them. Together, they begin to realize that they don't have to carry that weight alone.

I really enjoyed this installment and the way the story balances a creative fantasy world with some surprisingly emotional character moments so quickly in the series. And this artwork is absolutely gorgeous!

Early Reader Review: Salvage by Renee Nault

Source: From the Publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Salvage by Renée Nault 

Publisher: Ten Speed Graphic
Publication Date:  July 21, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

In this heartwarming graphic novel romance from the adaptor and illustrator of The Handmaid’s The Graphic Novel, two young artists' paths intertwine as they navigate the complexities of love in a world where sea levels have risen and society is sharply divided.

Paolo lives in the Flats, a dangerous, water-logged community where families survive by salvaging materials from skyscrapers hidden just beneath the ocean’s surface—remnants of a world before sea levels rose. Scavenging the depths comes with its risks, but when Paolo discovers a suitcase of designer clothes, he decides to fulfill his To spend one night in the Uplands, a place of privilege, excess, and freedom. There he meets Jules and her friends, and what begins as a single night of reckless adventure turns into a secret double life—and a seemingly impossible romance that forces Paolo to reckon with who he is, where he belongs, and the importance of being honest.

Rendered in vibrant watercolor illustrations that bring every scene to vivid life, Salvage is as much a visual masterpiece as it is a moving tale of love and self-discovery. Renée Nault’s atmospheric and luminous hand-painted art draws readers into Paolo and Jules’ world, promising an unforgettable coming of age story.

Review: 

This YA graphic novel is stunning, with detailed watercolor illustrations that bring every page to life. The artwork is bright, engaging, and packed with details that invite readers to stick around and explore. While I found it a little text-heavy at times, the beauty of the story and the richness of the world still made the read enjoyable.

Paolo lives in the Flats, a community where people survive by salvaging goods from the sea, including the remnants of a drowned city. When he discovers a waterproof case filled with in-style clothing (something really rare), he is inspired to travel into the Uplands, where the wealthy live. There, he meets a group of influencer teens and begins spending more time in a world that is completely different from his own.

Alongside a cute romance, the story explores themes of privilege, freedom, identity, and self-discovery. Paolo is the main character, but readers also get glimpses into the life of Jules, the girl he falls for. Despite coming from opposite sides f society, Paolo and Jules struggle with loneliness and share a passion for art in a world that doesn't fully appreciate their creativity.

One of my favorte things about the book was the art - the cities become an additional character. The contrasting landscapes of the Flats and the Uplands feel so vivid and interesting. and the juxtaposition between the two worlds adds depth to the story and gives readers so much to engage with/ look at. I wanted a little more background for how the cities got to this point, but it was still gorgeous. 

Overall, this was a beautifully illustrated and thoughtful read. It's a graphic novel that combines a compelling coming-of-age story with a richly imagined world. 

Early Reader Review: Winners & Liars by Aleema Omotoni

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Winners & Liars by Aleema Omotoni 
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  June 30, 2026 

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Derin’s acceptance into Cambridge University is the end of an era—just not the one she expected.

When she and her ultra-competitive Uni prep group, The Kenfield Set, were first invited to Professor Darnley’s summer ball, they planned on celebrating the group's success surrounded by the riches of his historical Kenfield estate—not kicking off the festivities with the professor’s will reading.

But when the Darnley’s aristocratic children are disinherited, the students are offered the opportunity of a lifetime: compete in a Victorian, literary-inspired inheritance competition to be named the new heir—winner takes all!

For Derin, it's a chance to help her working-class family. But the remaining Darnleys won’t take losing their stately home and its multimillion-pound inheritance lying down. And into the mix, a mysterious note is slipped under Derin’s door alluding to a dark family secret lying in wait.

Now, Derin must balance the cutthroat games; scheming relatives; and a cute Kenfield intern amidst her dawning realization that the history of this inheritance might be soaked in lies… and blood.

Review: 

Derin is a graduating teen about to head off to her dream school. She has had the pleasure over the past years of working with a professor and other students to prepare herself for her college applications etc. When the professor passes and calls them all to the will-reading they are thrown into a game to determine who among them will win his estate and all the money along with it. 

This book reads like a more mature and historical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with twists like Knives Out. I felt like the plot was intriguing and satisfying, but the slow pacing occasionally tested my patience, and I almost gave up on the book within the first few chapters. There was a bit too much jumping around in the timeline and the setup felt like a slog. Once we were into the real plotline…the historical sections added depth, though they sometimes disrupted the mystery's tension and pulled me out of the story. 

While I really liked and felt engaged in the challenges, the historical parts weren’t the only thing that kept me from fully immersing myself. I often felt like the characters were too close in personality to distinguish and even with Derin, I didn’t grow to empathize with her or really know her. 

On top of that, the author often found the need to interject with sexual representation, (I am all for representation!) but I didn’t feel like it added to the plot or the storyline at all. It often pulled me out of the story because of how oddly jarring it occurred in dialogue or thought processes. The main character is bi, and she has flirtatious banter with a few of the other characters. This dynamic and insertion makes the reader think that there might be more coming, maybe a romantic side story; however, the author sadly leaves this at the surface and doesn’t delve into it past that point. Again, fine for a YA read. Acceptance and representation are super important, I just felt like… if it was brought up so much that there might be a bigger point than just rep. It definitely read as if the author was telling us versus showing us in this instance. 

Overall, I think that the themes around whitewashing of history, racism, classism were exemplified in a very creative and engaging way. I think that the rep was there regardless of being told versus shown, and I think that readers that are looking for a plot with games and clues will enjoy it. I wouldn’t fully call this a murder mystery but there some elements of that too. 

Early Reader Review: Doe by Rebecca Barrow

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.  

Doe by Rebecca Barrow

Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Publication Date:  June 23, 2026

 

Format: Ebook/ Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Maris Larsen is the captain of the West Eaton High cheer team. She’s Coach’s favorite and the team worships her. Being on the team makes her feel special—powerful. When she’s leading the girls on the mat, Maris doesn’t have to think about her dead-end life in a dead-end town. She can forget about her depressed mother and absent father and the fact that her girlfriend doesn’t really love her. But when newcomer and Coach’s new golden girl, Genevieve Ray, joins the team, the only thing going right in Maris’s life is suddenly in jeopardy. A bitter rivalry develops between the two, but Maris is determined to take Genevieve down. The knife she needs to wield comes to Maris in her dreams.

While sleepwalking, Maris is visited by a monstrous, decaying beast in the shape of an enormous deer. Doe is an ancient, tired creature who has been wandering, trapped in her current form for decades. She cannot die, but she cannot go on living as she has. Only a girl related by blood to those who bound her in this form can free her, but those girls she loved died years ago—murdered in a fire.

But Maris is somehow linked to Doe’s beloved girls—linked by blood—and so she has the power to free Doe, to unleash her immense power. In Maris’s dreams, she and Doe form a bond, but Maris doesn’t know the creature from her dreams is real. Maris doesn’t understand the danger she’s in. She only knows Doe has promised her a way to win her battle with Genevieve. But for Maris to win, someone has to die, and the only real winner in the end will be Doe.

Review: 

This was such an interesting book. Told in verse, we transition between Maris - a cheerleading captain, the team as a whole, and Doe - a mystical being that lives in the body of a deer. The overall tone is eerie and strange and the format adds to that off-putting vibe.

The girls are from a nothing town and think they will all go nowhere, and cheer is all they have. They are wild and chaotic with no so great home situations. When a new member comes into the scene they need her to become a part of them or be gone for good. 

The story is this really dynamic interplay of past and present, expectations versus reality, and trauma bonding. Being written in verse only adds to that cutting sense of intensity that the author builds and builds throughout the story. 

I really enjoyed this one and will likely think about it a lot. The story was interesting, quickly paced, and easy to read. I liked the way that the eeriness of Doe also creeped into the team and Maris and how these were cheerleaders that were not the popular girls but the outcasts in a lot of ways. It turned things on their head a bit. 

Sadly, I picked up on the ending before I got there... so there wasn't a big surprise. That said it was really well done. 

Overall, I think this YA Horror is a great addition to libraries and TBRs. It will be a great Fall read but really it is a great read either way.

Early Reader Review: Their Will Undone by R.J. Valldeperas

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Their Will Undone by R.J. Valldeperas 

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  June 2, 2026

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A debut YA fantasy must-read for fans of The Winner’s Curse, What the River Knows, and This Woven Kingdom.

When a maiden is selected to marry the emperor, her journey to the palace will see her fighting both a spark of magical power and her growing feelings for her broody escort in this romantic fantasy duology opener, inspired by a true story from the Inca empire. 

In the Amaru Empire, it’s considered an honor to be chosen for the annual harvest. But when guards stole Nina’s brother away, it devastated her family. So, when the guards returned for Nina’s sweet sister, she threw herself into their clutches instead. And Nina has spent every moment since then in the acllahuasi, a gilded cage where women are trained to become servants or wives.

When Kasik, an obedient lieutenant in Amaru’s army, is sent to the acllahuasi to retrieve the emperor’s new wife, it’s only the promise of his own command—and a chance to escape his controlling father—that forces him to accept.

Kasik has no reason to trust Nina, nor she to trust him. But, as they begin their journey, their chemistry is hard to ignore. Also hard to ignore? The tugging sensation of magic in Nina’s chest, awakening more questions than she can possibly answer as she travels with a handsome stranger to her unknown fate.

Review:

I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in this one. The Incan-inspired setting felt unique, and I loved learning about the culture, traditions, and the role the gods played in the story. The magic system was also interesting, especially how the girls and women were gifted with power. Some men also possessed magic but were treated differently, which tied nicely into th book's themes of feminine rage and power dynamics.

Nina was an easy character to root for. She's stubborn, strong, and determined, but also realistically fearful at times, which made her feel authentic rather than invincible. Her emotional struggles added depth to her character. I also enjoyed Kasik as a counterpart to her. He's a rule follower whose obedience is constantly challenged, while Nina fiercely values her independence. Their opposing personalities created great banter, tension, and chemistry throughout their journey to the capital.

I wasn't a huge fan of the child/teen-bride premise itself, but I thought it was handled in a way that strengthened both Nina's determination and highlighted the uneasiness Kasik feels beneath his obedience.

My biggest struggle ws keeping up with some of the vocabulary. While there is a glossary in the book, it was not easy to constantly flip back and forth while reading on my e-reader, so that element occasionally pulled me out of the story as I stuggled to remember the definitions along the way.

Overall, this was an interesting fantasy with a new-to-me type setting, strong themes, and a romance I really enjoyed. If you like forced proximity, forbidden romance, and fantasy worlds inspired by cultures that aren't often represented, this is definitely worth picking up.

Early Reader Review: Calypso's Odyssey by Anna Ellison

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Calypso's Odyssey by Anna Ellison

Publisher: Avon
Publication Date:  May 26, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Some loves are meant to stay…some are meant to set you free.

The Summer I Turned Pretty meets Circe in this windswept, emotional retelling of The Odyssey. A stunning story of first love, ancient echoes, and the power of rewriting your own fate.

Callie Quinn has never left Catalina Island. Her world is a crumbling cliffside inn, a father who’s more prison guard than parent, and a curse she believes she’s doomed to every summer brings a boy, a spark—and then a goodbye. Until one summer everything changes.

A storm. A shipwreck. A boy washed ashore.

Odie is secretive, wounded, and desperate to disappear. Callie offers him shelter, a place to heal, and slowly, something more. But Odie is no ordinary castaway. He carries secrets that could destroy them both. On Catalina, Callie shows him another way to live. A life of freedom and belonging. An everlasting life where he could be anyone—even himself.

But when Odie’s world crashes back into their paradise, both Odysseus and Calypso must make impossible one between legacy and love. The other, between holding on and setting herself free.

Inspired by the tale of Odysseus and Calypso from Homer’s The Odyssey, this fresh retelling gives star-crossed lovers a chance to defy fate. Full of longing, first love, and impossible choices, it’s a story where, at last, they find their happily ever after. 

A star-crossed, slow-burn summer romance. A contemporary reimagining with mythological roots. A girl who learns that sometimes, the most epic love story is the one you write for yourself.

Review: 

I enjoyed Calypso's Odyssey, as an adult reader it was engaging and a fun twist on some classics. 

Calypso, or Callie, has graduated high school and she is in limbo. She isn't sure about college and since her mom passed away, she feels a bit obligated to help her dad run their inn. She feels lost, unsure, and is dealing with some trauma over a guy that shared a picture of her with others that he shouldn't have. 

I thought that Callie was pretty accurate emotionally to how I felt at this time and age. Lots of changes, lots of uncertainty, lots of bad decisions at times. All that said, she also seems a bit too naïve also -possibly because of being too sheltered.  

Odie is dropped into her life as if by a miracle and she takes a lot of chances on him. Together they talk through their uncertainties and fall for each other. I appreciated the inspiration set in a modern world, I liked the plot overall. It was a meandering feeling story in a way that feels like the original story. 

I think that for me, the issue with this book was not the age range like most got rile about, more on that in a minute - it was that there were no repercussions for behaviors. A teen boy sails a boat into a storm, almost drowns... no issues. A girl lets a boy live in a dingy hotel room that might be moldy ... no issues.. also no water... the boy that is showing her picture around...only embarrassment and shame for Callie and her dad pretty much victim blames. I know that it is a story, but it just felt like there were more opportunities there for deeper moments that just didn't happen. 

Now, the age-range thing. I completely understand that readers say this is NOT a teen book because it talks about sex, sexual content, condoms, losing virginity, and yes this book likely isn't for young teens, but Juniors and Seniors - I hate to break it to people but these are conversations they are having and I was having at this age...it is an accurate depiction that some teens might appreciate having. 

Should it have disclaimers, probably but nothing is graphic. Adults just be mindful if purchasing for teen readers. 

Early Reader Review: The Night King’s Court by Elisa A. Bonnin

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

The Night King's Court by Elisa Bonnin 
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  April 28, 2026

 

Format: Finished copy from the Publisher


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Caraval meets Flowerheart in this rich and immersive cozy fantasy, where dazzling magic, lush descriptions, and a sweet sapphic romance cast an irresistible spell.

Ida’s father went missing without a trace seven years ago, last seen at the court of the enigmatic Night King, which comes to life only after dark with magic and revelry.

So when a position opens up for a new court Luminaire, Ida doesn’t hesitate. She inherited her gift for enchantments from her father—and with this position, she’ll use it to find him again.

Ida is swept into the king’s collection of magical beings, those who bring light and entertainment to the Court’s midnight gatherings—and swept away by the Court, where faerie gardens edge into underwater masquerades, dreaming revels offer blissful escapes, and life is a mesmerizing euphoria.

Yet a sinister thread interrupts Ida’s nights of decadence. Memories go missing, the castle’s magic takes on a malevolence, and Ida can’t seem to leave the boundaries of the court itself.

Enlisting the help of the king’s breathtakingly beautiful daughter Lenore, Ida must unravel the castle’s secrets… before this enchanted world destroys her.

Review: 

This cover and synopsis immediately pulled me in, sadly the book fell a bit short of expectations but offered up some really nice world building and a cool magic system along the way.

The strongest aspect of the book was magic - of the characters and the world. Ida our FMC has candle magic to create immersive illusions for the royal court, and those scenes were vivid, atmospheric, and fit so well into this world overall. But while the world feels exotic, it is also super eerie, with a mystical intensity that kept me invested even when other elements didn't fully land for me.

The story follows Ida as she takes over her missing father's position as a Luminaire of the royal court while secretly trying to uncover what happened to him. There's plenty of tension throughout, from court politics and the king's mysterious motives to the shifting dynamics among Ida and her new friends. There was always enough intrigue to keep the plot moving.

That said, I struggled with the characters. In a setting that felt so rich and encompassing, many of the people inhabiting it felt surprisingly flat. I never became deeply attached to the characters, and while the synopsis highlights a sapphic romance, I'm not sure I would have recognized that relationship as romantic without knowing it beforehand. The emotional development just wasn't strong enough for me in that way.

I also found some of the larger worldbuilding ideas and themes a little underdeveloped. There were interesting concepts surrounding the magic and the forces holding the world together, but several of those ideas felt glossed over in order to get to the ending. I wanted more exploration of the implications and history behind what was happening, I guess.

Overall, this was an atmospheric YA fantasy with a unique magic system, a compelling mystery, and a wonderfully eerie court setting. While the characters and some of the thematic development left me wanting more, the immersive world and constant sense of mystery made it an enjoyable read.

Spotlight w/ Giveaway! Lake Life by Tanya Boteju

Today we have a GIVEAWAY for Lake Life by Tanya Boteju!  

Quick Tagline - What starts as a fake romance to fix their problems turns into a summer that challenges everything they thought they knew about love.

Lake Life by Tanya Boteju 
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Publication Date:  May 26, 2026

 

About the Book: 

Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, this charming, chaotic romance follows two teens who agree to fake-date when stuck together one summer in a quirky, scenic lake town.

This is definitely not how Maya wanted to spend the summer—depressed at her once-beloved cabin in Spruce Lake, and unable to avoid seeing her lifelong best friend, Rashida, after confessing her woefully unrequited love to her last year. Maya can’t decide if she wants to escape, or convince Rashida they’re still meant to be.

Gabe is sent to Spruce Lake by her mom in hopes she stays out of trouble. Gabe is NOT excited to be here. She does NOT like nature. She does NOT want to spend her summer in a tiny town with outdoorsy environmentalist types.

Gabe is pretty sure she’ll be spending this entire summer bored and alone…until she meets Maya. Together, they hatch a fake-dating scheme to make Rashida jealous and convince Gabe’s mom that Gabe has turned a wholesome new leaf.  

But as the plan plays out, and Gabe and Maya contend with protests, a relentlessly concerned community, and romantic twists, they start to realize that their assumptions about friendship and love might have led them completely astray. Can they find their way through this mess without hurting each other in the process?

GIVEAWAY

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US Only, 1 Copy of Lake Life

Copy of Lake Life by Tanya Boteju

About the Author 

Tanya Boteju (she/her) is an English teacher and writer living on stolen territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations (Vancouver, Canada). 

Her novel, Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens (Simon & Schuster, 2019), was named an Indie Top 10 Pick of the Summer by the American Booksellers Association and a Rainbow List selection for 2020.

Her next YA novel, Bruised (Simon & Schuster, 2021), was selected as a Gold Standard book by the Junior Library Guild.

Her latest YA novel, Messy Perfect (HarperCollins), is out in April 2025, along with a middle grade nonfiction book, Allyship As Action (Orca) in August 2025. 

When Tanya isn’t writing, she’s teaching and learning from brilliant high school students, riding her bike, drinking tea, reading good books, and trying to chill out at the cozy cabin her wife built for her.

In both her teaching and writing, Tanya hopes she’s bending the universe even the tiniest bit toward justice.

Find the Author

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