Matt de la Peña
Encyclopedia
Matt de la Peña is an American novelist who writes literature for young adults.
. To date, de la Peña has written four young adult books, one children's book, as well as short fiction which has been featured in various journals. He currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, where he teaches creative writing courses at New York University
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Biography
This Californian native received his BA from University of the Pacific where he attended with a basketball scholarship. He then received his MFA in creative writing from San Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University
San Diego State University , founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the greater San Diego area , and is part of the California State University system...
. To date, de la Peña has written four young adult books, one children's book, as well as short fiction which has been featured in various journals. He currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, where he teaches creative writing courses at New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
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Books
- Ball Don't LieBall Don't LieBall Don't Lie is a feature film directed by Brin Hill. It is an adaptation of the novel of the same name, written by Matt de la Peña. It stars AND1 Mixtape team member Grayson Boucher, a.k.a. The Professor...
(2005) Named a 2006 ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults and an ALA-YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, and was developed into a motion picture in 2008 featuring LudacrisLudacrisChristopher Brian Bridges , better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings...
, Nick CannonNick CannonNicholas Scott "Nick" Cannon is an American actor, comedian, rapper, entrepreneur, record producer, radio, and television personality. On television, Cannon began as a teenage sketch comedian on All That before going on to host The Nick Cannon Show, Wild 'N Out, and America's Got Talent...
, and Emilie de RavinEmilie de RavinEmilie de Ravin born 27 December 1981)is an Australian actress. She is commonly associated with her roles as Tess Harding on Roswell and Claire Littleton on the ABC drama Lost....
. - Mexican White Boy (2008) Named a 2009 ALA-YALSA Best Books for Young Adults (Top Ten Pick), and was featured on the 2008 Bulletin for the Center of Children's Literature Blue Ribbon List.
- We Were Here (2009) Named a 2010 ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, a 2010 ALA-YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers.
- I Will Save You (2010) Named a 2011 ALA-YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers and a Junior Library Guild Selection.
- A Nation's Hope-The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis (2010) (illustrated by Kadir NelsonKadir NelsonKadir Nelson is an award-winning African American artist, illustrator and author. His work is focused on African American culture and history.-Early life:...
) Received starred reviews from BooklistBooklistBooklist is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. It is geared toward libraries and booksellers and is available in print or online...
, Publishers WeeklyPublishers WeeklyPublishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents...
and School Library JournalSchool Library JournalThe School Library Journal is a monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with a focus on technology and multimedia. Reviews are included for preschool to 4th grade,...
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External links
- http://www.mattdelapena.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=4
- http://www.writingclasses.com/FacultyBios/facultyProfileByInstructor.php/TeacherID/112334
- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0906727/
- Official Matt de la Peña Site
- 2005 ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults
- 2006 ALA-YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
- 2009 ALA-YALSA Best Books for Young Adults
- 2010 ALA-YALSA Best Books for Young Adults
- 2010 ALA-YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
- 2011 ALA-YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers