Lorraine Avila (she/they) is a storyteller. Lorraine was born and raised in the Bronx, NY and is a first generation Dominican-American. Avila spent a decade as an educator in the K-12 education system. She has a BA from Fordham University in English, an MA in Teaching from New York University, and an MFA from the University of Pittsburgh. The Making of Yolanda La Bruja is her YA debut.

[STAR] "Unabashedly political...A remarkable, beautifully rendered debut." --Kirkus Reviews (starred)

Most Anticipated YA of 2023 - HipLatina

[STAR] "Suspenseful... Avila skillfully cultivates a unique and magical spin on a grounded, socially conscious plot that is rich in Afro-Latinx cultural detail. Yolanda is a boldly characterized protagonist whose intersectional identities as a queer and Deaf person of color informs her sharp-witted narrative voice and conviction around combatting racism within her community." -- Publishers Weekly (starred)

"Gripping... Avila skillfully depicts the reality of growing up as a Black Latinx teen in the midst of racial violence and social upheaval... Avila carefully demonstrates the tremendous strength in Yolanda's community and the deep roots of her spiritual life, which keep her grounded as she steps into her full power." -- Horn Book

Most Anticipated YA of 2023 - The Mary Sue

Most Anticipated YA of 2023 - BookPage

[STAR] "A sharply rendered portrait...Avila's striking debut is not to be missed." -- Booklist (starred)

"Lorraine Avila's impressive and urgent YA debut is a feat of courage, passion and originality. In it, she takes on racism, violence and injustice with a mix of magic, spirituality and care that few have attempted--and she's captivatingly successful." -- Ms. Magazine

"Vividly imagined and nuanced, Yolanda's story is one not to be missed." -- BuzzFeed

"A necessary story about gun violence, race, and education." --Refinery 29

"Tackles themes of race, gun violence, spirituality, justice, and education with an empathetic and deft hand"--Autostraddle

[STAR] "Inspiring... full of heart and spirituality." -- Shelf-Awareness (starred)

"Big-hearted, potent, and piercingly smart... More than anything, The Making of Yolanda la Bruja is the story of a determined young woman who embraces a fantastic and sometimes complicated heritage... Yolanda shines brilliantly in this story, and Avila is to be credited for gifting readers with such a compelling character." - Locus Magazine

"A masterclass in empowering the youth to reclaim what is theirs." - HipLatina

A Common Sense Selection

[STAR] Heartbreaking... thoughtful and gripping... Avila has created a complex heroine whose identities as a Deaf and queer person of color give a layer of authenticity and intersectionality that will resonate with readers."-- School Library Journal (starred)

"Written in stunning prose, this sharp examination of education, race, violence, and spirituality is a must-read." --The Mary Sue

Publisher: Levine Querido

Pub date: 2024-08-13

Length: 384 pages