Born in South Los Angeles, Sofia Arellano was adopted by a Mexican-American family as a baby. She grew up surrounded by loving people who taught her family isn’t always the one you’re born into. Sofia’s life changed at fifteen when she got pregnant with her daughter—who became her inspiration for everything, including her debut YA novel, which is an intimate and brutally honest recounting of her experience as a teen mom. She hopes to use her story to inspire other teen moms to remember to chase their dreams, even if they’re chasing toddlers at the same time.
Sofia went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and an education specialist credential from Cal State San Bernardino. As an educator, she passionately taught and advocated for her neurodiverse students in elementary and middle school settings. Sofia married her childhood sweetheart, who, much to her family’s delight, makes a mean pico de gallo. Three years ago, Sofia, along with her rescue pup, husband, two teenage sons—who know way more than she does about everything—decided to fulfill their dreams and moved to Costa Rica.
When Sofia isn’t writing or wrangling teenagers, you’ll find her surfing, hiking, or reading books with a cup of coffee—even though she gave it up.
Sofia is represented by Amanda Orozco.