Marcia Argueta Mickelson
The Writing Room
A slice-of-life coming-of-age story that gracefully addresses larger themes of immigration, economic disparity, and emotional abuse.
Immediately after high school graduation, eighteen-year-old Maya is kicked out of her wealthy dad’s NYC home; he prides himself on forcing his kids to “make their own way in the world.” Maya’s mom lives in Guatemala, so Maya crashes with friends while working and trying to land freelance writing gigs.
Maya struggles to find her footing until she gets access to a “writing room,” a shared workspace where she can focus—and get to know the intriguing neighbor, Jake, who’s often there.
When she discovers her dad is bankrolling a virulently anti-immigrant candidate for governor, Maya―the daughter of an immigrant―realizes she can’t continue quietly accepting his choices. She’ll have to take a stand, using the voice she’s found in the writing room.
Carolrhoda Lab
Young Adult Fiction
Age 13
256 pp | US$ 19.99
hc | 140 x 210 mm
Publication: November 2025
Author: Marcia Argueta Mickelson
All rights available, excl. Chinese (simpl. & compl.), Italian, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish
- Has modern day parallels with "Pride and Prejudice" in its slow-burn romance
- Unique coming-of-age story with relevant social themes ad a compelling romantic subplot
- Explores the complex relationships between storytelling and real life, appearances and truth
Awards
“A timely and compelling portrait of people who rise above broken families and oppressive systems to find belonging and solidarity with one another. . . Daringly defiant and achingly hopeful, The Writing Room is an essential book that speaks to this moment with clear vision and powerful prose. Not to be missed!”—David Bowles, author of They Call Her Fregona, 28 January 2025
“An inspiring story about learning what’s important to you and finding the inner strength to stand up for it.”—Ismée Williams, author of This Train Is Being Held, 28 January 2025
“As emotionally gripping as it is heartfelt, The Writing Room is a powerful novel about family, finding your voice, and the potency of first love. Mickelson masterfully weaves trauma and tribulations with hope and healing, affirming the necessity of making space for yourself alongside and within your community.”—Jessica Parra, author of Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success and The Quince Project, 6 January 2025