As we celebrate Latine Heritage Month, I’m excited to spotlight an emerging author who’s quickly making waves in YA fiction: Jonny Garza Villa. If you haven’t yet discovered their work, this is your sign to fall into their heartfelt stories that bring queer, Mexican-American identity to the forefront in a refreshing and authentic way.

Who is Jonny Garza Villa?

Jonny Garza Villa is a newer voice in the literary world. Their debut novel, Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun (2021), captivating readers with its poignant exploration of self-discovery, queerness, and cultural identity. Set against the backdrop of a traditional Mexican-American family, this book centers on Julián Luna, a teen who accidentally comes out to the world via Twitter and navigates the challenges of being openly gay while grappling with familial expectations and his own journey toward self-acceptance.

Garza Villa’s storytelling is raw, honest, and deeply relatable, drawing readers into the emotional complexities of growing up as a queer Latinx teen. Their ability to balance the weight of cultural expectations with a tender love story makes this debut stand out.

Be sure to check out Villa’s website

Why You Should Read Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun

If you’re a fan of stories that tug at your heartstrings while also lifting you up, Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun will resonate with you. It’s about more than just a coming-out journey; it’s about finding your voice, standing in your truth, and embracing who you are, no matter how messy that process may be. Garza Villa brings a much-needed spotlight to underrepresented queer Latinx narratives, ensuring their work leaves a lasting impact on young adult literature and I am here for it!

Looking Ahead

With such a strong debut, there’s no doubt Jonny Garza Villa is an author to watch. Their voice is a necessary one, especially as we continue to advocate for diverse stories and inclusive representation in literature. If you’re looking to add new voices to your reading list this Latine Heritage Month, Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun should be at the top. But that’s not all they’ve written or will write. Please check out their other books and be on the lookout for Futbolista their upcoming new adult romance book:

Final Thoughts

Jonny Garza Villa’s work is a reminder of how powerful it is to see your own story reflected in the books you read. Their unapologetic authenticity is what makes them one of the freshest voices in Latine literature today.

Have you read Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun yet? What Latine authors are on your TBR this month? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Help a muchacha out by using these hashtags:
#LatineHeritageMonth #JonnyGarzaVilla #LatinxAuthors #QueerLatinxVoices #HaveACupOfJohanny #DiverseYA #OwnVoices #NewLatinxAuthors #LatineReads