Matt de la Peña

Matt de la Peña is a celebrated American author known for his profound contributions to children’s and young adult literature. With a keen ability to capture the complexities of adolescence and identity, his works often center around themes of love, family, and overcoming adversity. Born in San Diego, California, de la Peña holds an MFA in creative writing and brings his rich perspective to each narrative. His novel "Ball Don’t Lie" marked his debut, while "Last Stop on Market Street" garnered the Newbery Medal. Aside from writing, he is also a dedicated advocate for literacy and education.