Matt de la Peña

Matt de la Peña is an Assistant Professor of Fiction at San Diego State University, affiliated with the Department of English in the College of Arts and Letters. He maintains an office in the Arts and Letters building (AL-213) and can be reached at mdelapena@sdsu.edu.

His academic and creative work centers on fiction, particularly young adult and children's literature, with a strong emphasis on identity, diversity, and emotional resilience. His research interests include creative writing, narrative development, Latino literature, and social justice themes in storytelling.

His literary publications span picture books, middle grade novels, and young adult fiction, with recurring themes of urban life, family, trauma, and hope. Notable works such as Last Stop on Market Street and Mexican WhiteBoy reflect his commitment to inclusive narratives and authentic representation.

• Newbery Medal
• NCTE Intellectual Freedom Award
• Honorary Doctorate from University of the Pacific

He mentors emerging writers and contributes to creative writing pedagogy, though specific advisees are not listed. He does not appear to lead a formal research lab or team, but his influence extends through his publications and public engagement. His future work is expected to continue exploring identity, belonging, and resilience through diverse literary forms.