Date of Birth: September 9, 1973
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Biography
Matt de la Peña is an acclaimed American writer known for his young adult novels and children’s books. Born and raised in National City, California, de la Peña has become a significant voice in contemporary literature, especially within the genre of young adult fiction. He earned a BA from the University of the Pacific and an MFA in creative writing from San Diego State University. He began his literary career with the publication of “Ball Don’t Lie” in 2005, which was later adapted into a feature film. His works often explore themes of identity, family, and societal expectations, resonating deeply with readers of all ages. De la Peña’s novel “Mexican WhiteBoy” was named a Junior Library Guild Selection, and “We Were Here” was a finalist for the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award. In 2016, he won the prestigious Newbery Medal for his picture book “Last Stop on Market Street,” illustrated by Christian Robinson. This accolade cemented his status as a significant literary figure, expanding his influence beyond young adult readers to younger audiences as well. Beyond his writing, de la Peña frequently visits schools and libraries to discuss his work and the importance of literacy, advocating for diverse voices in literature. His contributions have made him a beloved figure in the literary community, especially among young readers and educators.
5 Interesting Facts about Matt de la Pena
1. Matt de la Peña is the first Latino male to win the Newbery Medal.
2. His debut novel “Ball Don’t Lie” was adapted into a film in 2008.
3. He has authored several critically acclaimed novels, including “Mexican WhiteBoy” and “We Were Here.”
4. De la Peña is also a dedicated advocate for literacy and frequently speaks at schools and conferences.
5. He taught creative writing and visited schools across the United States to inspire young writers.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Matt de la Pena
1. “We are all flawed, fragile, scarred humans, and that is what makes our stories so beautiful.”
2. “Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange.”
3. “Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.”
4. “The more diverse your reading experiences, the more expansive your understanding of the world.”
5. “Sometimes the most important battles are the ones we fight within ourselves.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
As of the latest available information, Matt de la Peña’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Matt de la Peña has a daughter named Luna, born in 2018.
Relevant Links
1. [Official Website](https://mattdelapena.com/
2. [Matt de la Peña on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/53460.Matt_de_la_Pe_a
5. [Matt de la Peña’s Books on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Matt-de-la-Pe%C3%B1a/e/B002H6H7XG
