Chantel Acevedo
"master storyteller..."
Chantel Acevedo
"master storyteller..."
Exciting News
Discover Chantel Acevedo's latest novels in 2026: 'No Way Never Sisters' (Aladdin) a middle grade contemporary novel about two frenemies who learn their parents are engaged. No way they'll EVER be sisters! Co-written with author Natalia Sylvester, this warm and light-hearted story asks--what happens when a plan works too well? Pub date: March 10th, 2026
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'Cages,' to be published in the U.S. and U.K. by Europa Editions, is a sweeping, polyphonic portrait of a man as told by the people who loved him, feared him, and betrayed him. Set in Cuba, London and Miami, this formally inventive novel explores forbidden love and the stories we tell to make sense of the people we can never forget. Pub date: June 9th, 2026
About Me
"Yo sueño con los ojos/Abiertos, y de día/ y noche--siempre sueño." --José Martí
"Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift."--Kate DiCamillo
Photo by Orlando Acevedo
My writing life began when I was handed a book for the first time, and my earliest memory of reading was a Sleeping Beauty Golden Book, which I opened and closed so often the gold flakes of the spine glittered on the carpet of my bedroom. Because writing and reading are inseparable, this first reading memory is the beginning. Later in childhood, my local library would be like a second home to me, and there I discovered characters and places that felt so far from my home in Hialeah, Florida. I raided my mother's shelves for books that I wasn't ready for--Clan of the Cave Bear, and the Valley of the Dolls to name a few. Most of the content sailed over my head, but the drama of it all stayed with me. My first stories were fantasies, inspired by the sweetness of L.M. Montgomery, with a Stephen King edge when the teen years arrived. But it was at the University of Miami, under the guidance of my excellent professors, that I learned rhythm, and setting, imagery, and plot. And on my own, I discovered the Latina and Latino writers who made my experience and that of my family the stuff of literature. They, too, were my teachers. I am indebted to those teachers and librarians, and everyone who puts a book in the hands of a child, a friend, a neighbor and says, "You're going to love this." Thank you, forever.
Praise for Chantel's Books for Adults
Praise for The Living Infinite
“A wonderfully compact saga . . . Fresh, fast-moving historical fiction from a master storyteller.”
—Kirkus (starred review)
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"The defiant, adventurous spirit of Eulalia gleams throughout this historical novel."
—Elle Magazine
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Praise for The Distant Marvels, finalist for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction
"Acevedo here makes a significant contribution to contemporary literature...This is a major, uniquely powerful, and startlingly beautiful novel that should bring Acevedo's name to the top echelon of this generation's writers."
—Booklist (Starred Review)
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"Irresistible moments of rebellion and bravery define this tale."
—Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
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​Praise for A Falling Star
"Acevedo has created a world so steeped in longing and lore that it's entirely possible missing children can fall star-like from the sky, or emerge fish-like from the ocean. This haunting novel delivers not only secrets and lies, pounding guilt and grief, but glorious redemption."
--Marie Manilla, author of The Patron Saint of Ugly and Shrapnel
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Praise for Love and Ghost Letters, winner of the Latino Literacy Award
“Love and Ghost Letters is enchanting; a heartfelt story…It captures, beautifully, the atmosphere and emotions of a time which, both Cuban Americans and many an American reader, will find both reminiscent and fulfilling. A great debut.”
—Oscar Hijuelos, author of The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love, on Love and Ghost Letters
Kudos for Chantel's Books for Kids
Praise for The Curse on Spectacle Key, winner of the Rhode Island Latino Book Prize and a Sunshine State Award book
"Supernatural mystery meets generational drama with hopeful endings for all." — Kirkus Reviews
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"Acevedo achieves a remarkable amount of character development alongside a fast-paced and spooky mystery, all within a trim page count." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
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"A solid purchase to enhance popular middle grade horror collections. The balance of humor and horror should attract readers, and the lessons Frank learns are relevant to all." — School Library Journal
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Praise for Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse
“This riveting, suspenseful book presents a unique blend of Greek mythology and Cuban culture…. Perfect for readers of mythology-based adventures, fantasy fans, and anyone who enjoys a suspenseful action book.” — School Library Journal
“Acevedo successfully deploys a mixture of imagination and sincerity in this magical duology opener with a message of art’s importance and awakening the hero within.” — Publishers Weekly
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