Radical Possibilities in YA Lit Series: Ann Zhao '24

This book launch event celebrates the release of Dear Wendy and will feature a reading and conversation with author Ann Zhao '24. Zhao (she/her) is a graduate of Wellesley College, where she studied linguistics with a minor in women's and gender studies. At various points in college, she participated in The Wellesley News and WZLY, processed interlibrary loans at Clapp Library, and assisted in research for two linguistics labs, including one that wasn't at Wellesley. Doing all this was not good for her writing schedule. 

Dear Wendy, Zhao's debut novel set at Wellesley College, tells the story of Sophie and Jo, two aromantic and asexual students engaging in an online feud while unknowingly becoming friends in real life.  

Zhao's return to Wellesley College is the final installment 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. 

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.