Bio
Matt de la Peña was born in 1979 in San Diego, California. Drawing from his own upbringing and cultural background, he developed a storytelling voice rooted in empathy, realism, and everyday human connection. His early experiences as a student and athlete continue to influence his work.
In 2016, Last Stop on Market Street earned the Newbery Medal, and in 2018 he received the NCTE Intellectual Freedom Award, affirming his impact on contemporary children’s literature.
Matt de la Peña was born in 1979 in San Diego, California. Drawing from his own upbringing and cultural background, he developed a storytelling voice rooted in empathy, realism, and everyday human connection. His early experiences as a student and athlete continue to influence his work.
In 2016, Last Stop on Market Street earned the Newbery Medal, and in 2018 he received the NCTE Intellectual Freedom Award, affirming his impact on contemporary children’s literature.
Best Sellers
Last Stop on Market Street
Carmela Full of Wishes
Mexican WhiteBoy
More from Matt de la Peña
His most successful work, which won the 2016 Newbery Medal and was a #1 New York Times bestseller.
A critically acclaimed novel that has become a staple in school curriculums and is listed as an ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults.
A #1 New York Times bestselling picture book that explores the various ways affection is experienced.
This picture book reached the New York Times bestseller list and received widespread critical praise for its exploration of empathy.
De la Peña’s debut YA novel, which was an ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults and was adapted into a major motion picture.
A popular YA novel centered on a journey of self-discovery, it is often cited as one of his top-selling and most-read titles.
A New York Times bestselling picture book that follows a young girl's journey through her city on her birthday.
Part of the highly successful DC Icons series, this novel reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.