Matt de la Peña

Matt de la Peña's debut novel, Ball Don't Lie, was published by Delacorte in September of 2005. The book has been made into a major motion picture starring Ludacris, Nick Cannon, Emelie de Ravin, Grayson Boucher, and Rosanna Arquette (Night and Day Pictures) -- coming to theaters soon.

In August of 2008 de la Peña's second novel, Mexican WhiteBoy, was released by Delacorte, and in October of 2009 We Were Here hit book stores.

In 2011 Matt's fourth novel, I Will Save You, and his first picture book, A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis (Illustrated by Kadir Nelson) were released. Read more...

Recent News

Follow Matt on Twitter!

CBC Diversity Group interviewed me about diversity in literature (read the article here)

The New York Times followed me into Tucson High School (where Mexican WhiteBoy was banned from the curriculum). Read the article here!

A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis
was named New York Times Top Ten Best Illustrated for 2011! And Booklist Editor's Choice Best Books of 2011. And School Library Journal Best Books of 2011.

Upcoming Events

May 14: Passaic, NJ -- Lincoln Middle School

May 18: Rochester, NY -- TBF Live (details here)

Ball Don't Lie