Ashley Hope Pérez

Ashley Hope Pérez, an accomplished author and assistant professor in the Department of Comparative Studies at The Ohio State University, has made significant contributions to the field of young adult literature. Her notable works include "The Knife and the Butterfly," "What Can(t) Wait," and "Out of Darkness." These novels have not only garnered attention from readers but have also been recognized by various literary organizations. For instance, "What Can(t) Wait" was nominated for the annual list of Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers by the American Library Association in 2012, while "The Knife and the Butterfly" was selected for their list of Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults in 2015.

Pérez's "Out of Darkness" has received substantial recognition and has sparked important discussions within the literary community. This work was included on the American Library Association's list of the Best Fiction for Young Adults in 2016 and was also placed in Booklist's "50 Best YA Books of All Time" in 2017. Furthermore, it received the Américas Award and the Tomás Rivera Mexican-American Children's Book Award in 2016. This novel's significance was further emphasized when it was honored with the Michael L. Printz Award in 2016 and listed as the fourth-most banned and challenged book in the United States in 2021.

In addition to her writing, Pérez actively engages with the literary community, as demonstrated by her appearance at YA Midwest on July 26, 2025. Her work has been acknowledged by the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs and has been recognized with awards from the American Library Association and the Walden Award from ALAN in 2021. As a faculty member at Ohio State University, Pérez continues to inspire and educate, furthering her impact in the field of young adult literature and beyond.