Authors to Release Queer Young Adult Novel in 2027
Raphael Simon and Phillip De Leon will publish a dual-timeline novel in April 2027.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Youth
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Authors Raphael Simon and Phillip De Leon are set to publish a new queer young adult novel titled Don't Tell Me What Happens in April 2027. The project explores themes of queer history and the AIDS crisis through two interconnected love stories.
Why it matters
The book draws from Phillip De Leon's own experiences with a secret high school relationship in the 1980s, offering a look at queer history across different generations. By incorporating perspectives from their teenage daughters, the authors aim to bridge the gap between contemporary teen life and the past.
Phillip De Leon contributed more than 90 individual pieces of art for the book. The authors consulted their 18-year-old twin daughters to ensure the contemporary dialogue accurately reflects modern teenage life.
The players
Raphael Simon
He is an author who resides in Pasadena and collaborated on this project to explore themes of queer identity.
Phillip De Leon
He is an author and illustrator who provided the artwork for the novel and drew from his own life history.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers
This is a major publishing imprint known for releasing award-winning literature for younger audiences.
The details
The narrative structure shifts between the 1980s and the present day, with settings including Los Angeles and New York City. To collaborate on the manuscript, De Leon wrote his chapters on his phone and sent them to Simon via email.
Timeline
The 1980s timeframe depicts the origin of a secret high school relationship.
A note written in a journal is dated from 1990.
Raphael Simon and Phillip De Leon agreed to co-write the book in 2024.
Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers will publish the novel in April 2027.
Culture Shift
The novel reflects a growing trend in young adult literature that actively incorporates the AIDS crisis to connect contemporary readers with queer historical precedents. This shift emphasizes the importance of intergenerational dialogue and the preservation of LGBTQ+ stories.
Readers can expect the book to be widely available through major retailers and libraries upon its 2027 release date. The use of illustrations and dual timelines may appeal to those interested in mixed-media storytelling and historical fiction.
The takeaway
This collaboration highlights the value of using personal history and youth perspectives to create nuanced stories about the past. Readers interested in storytelling can look for ways to integrate their own life experiences or family histories into their creative projects.
What happens next
The novel Don't Tell Me What Happens is scheduled to be released by Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Young Readers in April 2027.
Further reading
Explore more trends in Youth literature and emerging voices in the industry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PublishersWeekly.
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