Tehlor Kay Mejia is an American author, well-known for their critically acclaimed young adult fantasy novel, "We Set the Dark on Fire," which is the first book in a series of the same name. This book received numerous accolades, including being named one of the best books of the year by O by Oprah Magazine. Mejia's writing is characterized by its rich storytelling and imaginative worlds, which have captivated readers and critics alike.
Mejia is not only an author but also a writer, editor, and poet. They are an Oregon native who takes inspiration from the beautiful evergreen forests and alpine meadows in their home state, where they currently reside with their daughter. Mejia's love for their home state is reflected in their writing, which often features diverse and complex characters that resonate with readers.
Mejia's debut young adult novel, "We Set the Dark on Fire," received six starred reviews and numerous awards, including the Oregon Spirit Book Award for debut fiction and the Neukom Institute Literary Arts Award runner-up honor for debut speculative fiction. The book was featured on several best books lists, including Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, and O by Oprah Magazine, and was a 2019 book of the year selection by Kirkus and School Library Journal. The sequel, "We Unleash the Merciless Storm," received similar acclaim, and their debut middle-grade novel, "Paola Santiago and the River of Tears," was published by the Rick Riordan Presents imprint at Disney/Hyperion. This book received four starred reviews and was named Amazon's best book of 2020 in the 9-12 age range. It is currently in development at Disney as a television series to be produced by Eva Longoria.
Mejia's writing is deeply rooted in their commitment to social justice and activism. They strive to create stories that showcase the importance of community, radical inclusion, and abolitionist values. Their highly anticipated adult debut, "Sammy Espinosa's Last Review," will be available from Ballantine Bantam Dell in the summer of 2023. Mejia is active on social media, engaging with their readers and fellow writers on Twitter and Instagram. They continue to be a vital voice in the literary world, using their platform to advocate for marginalized communities and promote radical inclusion.