Nina Moreno

Nina Moreno is a Cuban-American young adult and middle grade author known for contemporary stories featuring Latina protagonists and exploring themes of family, identity, and romance. Her debut novel "Don't Date Rosa Santos" (2019) garnered attention for its magical realism elements and exploration of Cuban-American culture. Moreno's work frequently incorporates aspects of her Southern upbringing and Cuban heritage, with stories often set in Florida. Her middle grade novel "Join the Club, Maggie Diaz" (2022) follows a Cuban-American seventh grader navigating middle school challenges and family expectations. Her writing has been recognized for its authentic representation of Cuban-American experiences and multigenerational family dynamics. Moreno has also contributed to young adult anthologies and continues to write stories that blend contemporary settings with elements of magical realism and cultural heritage. Beyond her published works, Moreno has served as a mentor for Las Musas Books, a collective of women and nonbinary Latinx authors. Her background in education and library services informs her approach to writing for young readers.

Readers connect with Moreno's portrayal of Cuban-American families and multigenerational relationships in her books. Many note her ability to capture cultural details and family dynamics. What readers liked: - Authentic representation of Cuban-American experiences - Strong family relationships and cultural traditions - Integration of magical realism elements - Food descriptions and setting details - Complex mother-daughter relationships What readers disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in "Don't Date Rosa Santos" - Romance plots described as predictable - Character development felt rushed in later chapters Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "Don't Date Rosa Santos": 3.8/5 (6,000+ ratings) - "Join the Club, Maggie Diaz": 4.2/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: - "Don't Date Rosa Santos": 4.4/5 - "Join the Club, Maggie Diaz": 4.7/5 Reader quotes often mention the "immersive cultural details" and "authentic voice." One reviewer noted: "Reading this felt like sitting in my abuela's kitchen."

Don't Date Rosa Santos (2019) A contemporary young adult novel about a Cuban-American teen confronting family curses, identity, and first love in her Florida port town.

Join the Club, Maggie Diaz (2022) A middle-grade story following a seventh grader navigating school clubs, friendship dynamics, and family expectations while trying to find her place.

Our Way Back to Always (2021) A young adult romance centered on two former best friends who reconnect during their senior year of high school in Port Coral, Florida.

Nina Moreno's Perfect Book Tour (2023) A middle-grade novel about a twelve-year-old aspiring author who embarks on a summer book tour with her mother.

Elizabeth Acevedo writes coming-of-age stories featuring Dominican-American teens navigating family expectations and cultural identity. Her work incorporates elements of poetry and explores themes of finding one's voice.

Anna-Marie McLemore creates contemporary YA with magical realism elements centered on Latinx and LGBTQ+ characters. Their stories often feature family secrets and generational connections.

Zoraida Córdova writes urban fantasy and contemporary YA focusing on Latinx protagonists discovering their heritage. Her books incorporate mythology and magic while exploring themes of belonging.

Tehlor Kay Mejia crafts stories about Mexican-American teens dealing with family dynamics and self-discovery. Her work addresses themes of identity and resistance within fantasy and contemporary settings.

Rebecca Barrow writes contemporary YA about young women facing complex family relationships and personal growth. Her books feature diverse characters navigating romance and friendships while dealing with real-world challenges.