We chat with author Leslie Adame about Chloe Vega and the Missing Unseen, which sees secrets, magic, and danger collide in the second book of Adame’s thrilling middle grade fantasy series, as Chloe must master her newfound powers to stop a destructive sorcerer — perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and Witchlings.
What was your inspiration behind writing Chloe’s story? When did it change from just an idea into an actual plan for a book series?
Growing up, I loved reading fantasy stories and actually came up with Chloe Vega as a kid, but I never once considered becoming an author until I got to college. I went in with the intention of entering politics and was working on a campaign internship in Summer 2018 when I saw news coverage of kids in tears as they were separated from their immigrant parents at the border. That, combined with the lack of representation of Latines in books, films, and media, was what kickstarted this series. I wanted to write something those kids could read; not to make them forget about their reality, but to show them that the situation they’re in doesn’t define them. They, too, could be the heroes of their own story.
Who are Chloe’s mentors in the books, and why is it important for a character like Chloe to have those mentors?
When Chloe arrives at the academy, the students all get assigned to small groups called “familias” and each family is assigned two godparents, a Madrina and a Padrino. Madrina and Padrino become huge mentor figures for Chloe, and constantly have to remind her that it’s okay to ask for help. For a daughter of undocumented immigrants like Chloe, asking for help doesn’t come easily, so having Madrina and Padrino as figures she can trust and turn to for anything she needs becomes crucial.
In the first book, Chloe is forced to confront one of her biggest fears: being separated from her family. What personal journey does Chloe go on in this book that you’d like readers to make note of?
At the end of Book 1, something huge happens that changes Chloe’s life forever. In Book 2, she is grappling with the weight of this change, one that many members of the magical community don’t believe she deserves. Confidence has never come naturally to Chloe, so to navigate this change and step into her power, she’s going to need to learn to shut out the voices telling her she’s undeserving, all while the world is at stake, of course. It’s the perfect read for anyone who has ever experienced imposter syndrome!
What do you hope readers will take away from this series?
I’m a firm believer that art is a digestible way for people to learn about others’ experiences and gain empathy. If the Chloe Vega series becomes a gateway for parents to have conversations with their kids about immigration, I know I’ve done my job. If those kids read the story and feel represented and seen, I know I’ve done my job. But more importantly, if my books inspire future generations to tell their own stories, especially if they feel like it would fill a gap that hasn’t been filled yet, that would be the ultimate gift.
What’s next for Chloe?
We’ll see! My hope right now is that this lands in as many readers’ hands as possible. Chloe Vega’s world is so massive, and I have plenty of ideas up my sleeve. If you enjoyed reading, please tell your communities about it and spread the word!
