Radical Possibilities in YA Lit: Gabby Rivera
Gabby Rivera is a Bronx-born queer Puerto Rican babe on a mission to create the wildest, most fun stories ever. Her critically acclaimed debut novel Juliet Takes a Breath (2016) was called "f*cking outstanding" by Roxane Gay. Mic named it one of the 25 essential books to read for Women's History Month, and Latina Magazine called it the "dopest LGBTQA YA book ever."
Rivera is the first Latina ever to write for Marvel comics, penning the solo series America about America Chavez, a portal-punching queer Latina powerhouse. In 2022, Rivera became a Sundance Screenwriters Fellow and received an Advancing Justice Award from Catalyst California, alongside activist Dolores Huerta and politician Sheila Kuehl.
Rivera's visit to Wellesley College is the third in the Suzy Newhouse Center's year-long "Radical Possibilities in YA Lit" series, which celebrates the representation of difference in young adult literature. As one of the fastest growing categories of literature, Young Adult literature books offer readers the opportunity to view the world through a multitude of perspectives and offers the inspiration to imagine a more just future. The series brings together some of today’s most important voices working to expand the parameters of the genre and inspire new narratives of community, love, resilience and resistance.
The work of the featured authors encourages readers to think critically about the genre and the types of narratives that are typically represented in mainstream Young Adult literature. Our series kicked off with a reading and conversation with Aiden Thomas on October 25th, and continued with Elizabeth Acevedo on February 29th. The series will culminate on April 16th with the book launch and celebration of Dear Wendy, the debut novel by Ann Zhao '24.
The readings and conversations with the authors featured in the series showcase the radical possibilities of creating stories that center the lives and experiences of communities often relegated to the margins. Given the current reactionary movement of banning books that privilege difference and diversity in storytelling, we are thrilled to welcome these authors into our community and support their work. We look forward to seeing you at these events.
A book signing will take place immediately following the event. Please check back soon for further details.
The Office of Intercultural Education is generously providing food at this event. Kindly click here to RSVP.
lcote2@wellesley.edu