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YOUNG ADULT HI-LO VERSE NOVEL
Ariel imagined two weeks at Camp Juniper would be a peaceful escape from all the trouble he keeps finding himself in back home in Houston. He expected to exchange his unaccepting family for fresh mountain air, the loudness of inner-city life for calm hiking trails--but he didn't expect to meet four other campers who've been searching for him for hundreds of years. Ariel never imagined that in a past life, he was part of The Diadem: a five-piece superhero team on Mars that was defeated by The Gemini during an alien invasion. Though skeptical at first, Ariel can't help but consider this story when the four campers begin to display otherworldly powers. As the four campers work to unlock Ariel's past life memories, they soon discover that they're not the only ones who have been searching for him. The fate of The Diadem rests on Ariel's shoulders--if only he can remember his power.
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YOUNG ADULT HI-LO VERSE NOVEL
Veny Juarez lives in the secluded island village of Isla Sola. Isla Sola is a paradise powered by clean, renewable energy. Each community member must deepen their scientific knowledge and work hard to ensure Isla Sola remains prosperous and in harmony with nature. But Veny, who has been denied the opportunity to have a life partner, would rather skip his chores and go surfing. One day, the ocean waves are harsher than normal. Veny nearly drowns, but is rescued by Mateo--a stranger from the outside world. Rattled and afraid, Mateo begs Veny to hide him before anyone else learns of him. Veny agrees to this, but he has unknowingly welcomed a danger of old onto Isla Sola. With Mateo's presence, dark days are sure to follow, and with them, the truth behind the history of Isla Sola.
PUBLISHED BY: WEST 44 BOOKS
YOUNG ADULT HI-LO VERSE NOVEL
High school is rough for a gay teen brujo going through his first breakup. And Alejandro’s supernatural ability to see the past with the use of his tarot cards makes it so the past is all he ever really focuses on. Alejandro would like to pour his passion into piano to prepare for the upcoming winter recital, but bizarre supernatural forces seem out to get him. When a time-traveling demon arrives with a mission to stop the upcoming high school winter recital from taking place, Alejandro must focus on the future to slay the demon, save the recital, and maybe get a second chance at love.
PUBLISHED BY: WEST 44 BOOKS
YOUNG ADULT HI-LO VERSE NOVEL
Samson and Domingo fall in love during the summer before their junior year of high school. But Samson is the star player of Weslaco North’s football team and Domingo is a French horn player for Weslaco South’s marching band. Once school starts, their new love is challenged by those who don’t agree with their rival schools mixing,
especially Domingo’s older brother, Pablo, a football player for South.
As if that wasn’t enough, Samson’s Olympian-like athleticism is shrouded in mystery; the source of his strength is a secret he has vowed to keep his entire life. As Samson and Domingo’s love blossoms, Samson learns to trust Domingo more than he has ever trusted anyone before, but their love could be Samson’s downfall.
PUBLISHED BY: WEST 44 BOOKS
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POETRY
"Embark on a Poetic Journey of Identity and Resilience with Assimilated Natives: A Collection of Borderland Poems Exploring the Complexities of
Chicanx Heritage in America"
Discover the world of ASSIMILATED NATIVES, a compelling collection of borderland poems that delves deep into the intricate identity of a third-plus generation Chicanx. Through the eloquence of poetry, the author embarks on a poignant and introspective journey, shedding light on the profound impact of forced assimilation into American culture on the intricate tapestry of cultural practices. These poems intricately weave a narrative that vividly portrays the disruption and transformation of age-old traditions, capturing the struggle of navigating the tension between heritage and assimilation.
PUBLISHED BY: MOUTHFEEL PRESS
AUTHOR VISITS & LIBRARY PRESENTATIONS
Gume has over a decade of experience hosting school visits to promote literacy and encourage young writers. Through his presentations, students from all walks of life have been empowered to share their stories and cultivate their writing craft. If you'd like more information about booking Gume for your classroom, library, book club, or group, click the button below to be directed to How Now Booking. The form is simple to complete, and you'll be connected with experts who can provide you with all necessary info.
ABOUT GUME LAUREL III
Gume is a Texan, native to the Rio Grande Valley, along the southernmost US/MX borderlands. He has dedicated himself to crafting literary works that promote inclusion and showcase diverse characters with intersectional identities. Gume’s stories especially highlight the underrepresented groups he is a part of: Latine, Chicanx and queer. His first hi-lo verse novel, Samson & Domingo, published by West 44 Books, received Honorable Mention for Best in LGBTQ+ Themed Book from the International Latino Book Awards. His most recently published hi-lo verse novel, Solar Punks, gives readers a hopeful look into a future powered by renewable energy, and is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection. When Gume isn’t writing, he can be found getting lost on a hiking trail with his dogs Blu and Mouse. He's also a botana connoisseur,
considers himself a professional amateur poet,
and firmly believes he could probably be a good DJ if he tried.