Radical Possibilities in YA Lit Series: Reading & Conversation with Aiden Thomas

Aiden Thomas is a trans, Latinx, New York Times bestselling author of young adult novels, including Cemetery Boys (2019), Lost in the Never Woods (2020), and The Sunbearer Trials (2022). Their debut novel, Cemetery Boys, garnerned numerous accolades, including nominations for the National Book Award (2020), the Bram Stocker Award for Best Young Adult Novel (2020), and two Goodreads Choice Awards. 

Thomas’s visit to Wellesley College is the first 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 kicks off with a reading and conversation with Aiden Thomas on Oct. 25th, followed by Elizabeth Acevedo on Feb. 29th, and Gabby Rivera on April 4th. 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.

This event will be livestreamed at wellesley.edu/live. No prior registration is required to view the livestream.

A book signing will take place immediately following the event. Please check back soon for further details.